Health Canada warns of higher risk of C. difficile from prescription antacids
February 16, 2012
thestar.com
A widely used prescription antacid could increase the risk of dangerous C. difficile infection, Health Canada warned Thursday.
While the connection has not been proven, several studies have linked proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and Clostridium difficile-induced diarrhea, the government agency said.
The bacteria C. difficile can lead to serious health complications or death.
People taking a range of PPIs who develop lingering diarrhea should talk to a doctor immediately, Health Canada said. The agency advised anyone taking the drug to talk to their doctor about the risks.
Health Canada also reminded doctors that PPIs “should be prescribed at the lowest dose and shortest duration of therapy appropriate.”
The prescription antacids, among the most widely prescribed medications worldwide, are used to treat acid reflux, peptic ulcers, gastritis and other stomach ailments.
PPI drugs currently marketed in Canada are:
• Dexlansoprazole (brand name Dexilant)
• Esomeprazole (brand name Nexium and generic equivalent)
• Omeprazole (brand name Losec and generic equivalents)
• Lansoprazole (brand name Prevacid and generic equivalents)
• Pantoprazole (brand names Pantoloc and Panto IV, and generic equivalents)
• Pantoprazole/magnesium (brand name Tecta)
• Rabeprazole (brand name Pariet and generic equivalents)
PPIs are also available in combination with other drugs such as Vimovo.
Featured Sponsored Listings