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Proton pump inhibitors are a class of medications that block acid production in the stomach by inhibiting a system in the stomach called the "proton pump" (hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphate enzyme system).

Examples of proton pump inhibitors that may be used for the treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include:

• Omeprazole (e.g., Prilosec)
• Esomeprazole (e.g., Nexium)
• Pantoprazole (e.g., Protonix)
• Rabeprazole (e.g., Aciphex)
• Lansoprazole (e.g., Prevacid)

Proton pump inhibitors are used primarily for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe GERD and can help patients to better control symptoms and, thereby, improve quality of life. Although these medications are generally well-tolerated, they can cause side-effects in about 5% of patients. The most common side effects of proton pump inhibitors include:

• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Rare or infrequent adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors that have been reported in some patients include:

• Decreased absorption of Vitamin B12 and calcium
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Clostridium difficile infections