Do PPIS block absorption of meds ?

[Suntanann]

Does anybody ha e experience with PPI's taken for gastritis and these blocking the absorption of heaet medication at all . Have been taking big dose of PPI for 7 months for gastritis and stopped 3 weeks ago ...could these tablets of stopped the verspamil being absorbed into my system properly hence why they aren't having much affect on my af and irregular heartbeat . I also have low potassium and a issue with my thyroid ..could this again be because of PPI stopping absorption of vitamins and minerals in to my system

[Jalia]

Interesting question! I can only say that I have been on PPIs for a number of years with heart medications and that I haven't noticed any difference in my AF episodes. I know that there are many people who are anti PPI s but are far as I'm concerned they are very necessary for me. I certainly would not take them unless i had to.

[BobD Volunteer]

Can't answer that with any confidence but can't see why the should AF is a progressive condition anyway and usually gets worse and more frequent over time unless ablation holds it back.

I do know that long term use of PPIs is a bad thing anyway as it can in many cases actually exacerbate reflux. I have always refused to take them any longer than a couple of weeks because many years ago when first prescribed for some months they really made things worse and unitil I was told why thought it was me getting worse.

[CDreamer]

Depends whether meds are designed for stomach absorption eg: Dabigatran or Duodenum. PPI’s block stomach acid so anything that requires an acidic environment will be in inhibited. Magnesium absorption from foods is another example.

Also refused PPIs & found other ways of dealing with acid reflux & protecting esophagus.

[Suntanann in reply to CDreamer]

Possibly why I'm low potassium then

[rothwell in reply to CDreamer]

HiI am interested in your reply as I suffer badly from acid reflux because of a hiatus hernia. I am constantly being put on Omeprozole which I hate taking because of all the adverse stuff I have read and I am convinced that it is adversely affecting my kidney function. Would you mind telling me what other ways you have found to deal with this problem. Thank you.

[Suntanann in reply to rothwell]

Hey Rothwell I was taking esmeprozole for 7 months at 20 mg twice a day for gastritis ...I am convinced they've played a part in my atrial fib diagnosis and feel they have stopped flecanide and now verapmil from working ...hence 3 weeks ago I stopped them cold turkey ...Id become low potassium and devoped thyroid problems whilst on them to as know for certain they stop absorption of vital minerals and vitamins into our body

3 weeks on I'm half waiting for a rebound and gastritis to rear it's ugly head again but will try alternatives to PPI'S if it happens ...

[Ppiman]

If your gastritis is clear now, then you will soon know the answer to your question.

I doubt the PPI drug did anything except what it should. A small percentage of people cannot get on with these drugs, it seems, but this family of drugs has been so very widely used for such a long time now that doctors know them well. I would put your worries about drugs to your doctor but suspect he or she will convince you of their usefulness and relative safety, compared with the very real long-term risks of living with uncontrolled reflux stomach acid.

I wish there were an alternative to them, to be sure - but for many people with reflux acid, there isn't.

Steve

[KMRobbo]

I am very sure they block B12 absorption. Post ablation I was put on lansoprazole and a couple of months after I had blood tests as I was always tired. The blood tests showed I was not anaemic but was low on b12. So after researching I stopped the PPI, as I was only prescribed it as I was on Pradaxa and did not need it as I did not get reflux. The next blood test a few months later was normal.

[Trigeminyblue]

Hi Suntanann, I was told by my pharmacist not to take PPIs as they would stop my meds from absorbing and being broken down correctly. Also told not to take Gaviscon as this forms a raft on top of stomach contents and also interferes with correct absorption of medication. Was told to take RENNIES for heart burn - acid reflux, sore stomach etc as they are a different type of ant-acid and do not interfere with medication being taken. You could have a word with your local pharmacist.