- Body system
- Gastrointestinal
- Name stem
- -prazole, -tidine
- Drug cards
- 2 in this guide
Drugs in this class
Other examples: Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Cimetidine, Sucralfate, Calcium carbonate.
How acid reducers (PPIs and H2 blockers) work
PPIs block the proton pump in parietal cells; H2 blockers block histamine-2 receptors. Antacids neutralize acid; sucralfate coats ulcers.
Uses
- GERD and heartburn
- Peptic ulcer disease
- H. pylori eradication (PPI with antibiotics)
- Stress ulcer prophylaxis
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Adverse effects
- Headache and diarrhea
- Long-term PPIs: C. difficile, fractures, low magnesium and vitamin B12
- Confusion in older adults (H2 blockers)
- Cimetidine: many drug interactions
Nursing considerations
- Reassess the need for long-term therapy.
- Monitor magnesium with prolonged PPI use.
- Separate antacids from other drugs they bind.
Patient teaching
- Swallow delayed-release capsules or tablets whole.
- Omeprazole and esomeprazole are taken before a meal.
- Raise the head of the bed and avoid late meals for GERD.
Acid reducers (PPIs and H2 blockers) NCLEX practice questions
Answer each question to see the rationale.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Which suffix identifies a proton pump inhibitor?
Show answer
Answer C: -prazole Proton pump inhibitors end in -prazole (omeprazole, pantoprazole). H2 blockers end in -tidine.
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Which risk is associated with long-term PPI therapy?
Show answer
Answer C: C. difficile infection and bone fractures Prolonged acid suppression is linked to C. difficile, fractures, low magnesium and low vitamin B12.
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An older adult receiving IV famotidine becomes confused. What should the nurse consider?
Show answer
Answer D: H2 blockers can cause confusion, especially in older adults or kidney impairment H2 blockers can accumulate and cause CNS effects in older adults and in kidney impairment.
Frequently asked questions
What are acid reducers (PPIs and H2 blockers)?
Proton pump inhibitors (-prazole) and H2 blockers (-tidine) lower stomach acid to treat GERD and ulcers. Long-term PPI use raises the risk of C. difficile, fractures and low magnesium.
How do acid reducers (PPIs and H2 blockers) work?
PPIs block the proton pump in parietal cells; H2 blockers block histamine-2 receptors. Antacids neutralize acid; sucralfate coats ulcers.
What are examples of acid reducers (PPIs and H2 blockers)?
Pantoprazole, Famotidine, Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Cimetidine, Sucralfate and Calcium carbonate.
What are the nursing considerations for acid reducers (PPIs and H2 blockers)?
Reassess the need for long-term therapy. Monitor magnesium with prolonged PPI use.