Inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitor for stress ulcer prophylaxis in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) has been expanded inappropriately. PPI are among the most selling drugs in the world. There is growing evidence that PPI are associated with significant adverse effects along with undue financial burden. Inappropriate prescription of PPI is common in inpatients. The objective is to determine the frequency of inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors for stress ulcer prophylaxis. This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine of The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi. 151 adult patients admitted in the hospital were included. All those patients who received PPI due to a condition mentioned by American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) as an indication for PPI, were labeled as PPI appropriately indicated. While those patients who received PPI without a condition mentioned by AGA as an indication for PPI, were labeled as PPI inappropriately indicated. Mean age was 57.2±18.2 years. Route of administration was oral in 110 (72.8%) and IV in 41 (27.2%) patients. Out of 151 patients, 100 (66.2%) patients were receiving PPI without any specific indication while 51 (33.8%) patients were receiving PPI with appropriate indications. Our study showed that inappropriate use of PPI is quite common among admitted patients.