h2 receptor antagonist vs proton pump inhibitor?

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Bob Travis - 17 Feb 2004 03:26 GMT

An ad has been running on TV for several months and it touts the pros of
using a certain brand name h2 receptor antagonist while trying to discourage
people from using an OTC proton pump inhibitor as therapy for related excess
acid stomach problems.

I have a lot of problems with this TV ad because I wonder how many people
are being dissuaded from using a proton pump inhibitor when going that route
could be much more benefitial for many patients than using an h2 receptor
antagonist. This being especially so if they need therapy for long standing
esophageal erosions.

I am wondering what pharmacy professionals think about this ad?

I am not in the phramacy field, I only use generic names so the owners of
the respective brand names don't send me nasty emails. It is my
understanding people can't speak what's on their minds in newsgroups any
more because big companies can nail you just for mentioning their names ---
you don't even have to say anything bad about them any more. Well, maybe
it's not that bad but I'm not taking any chances.

Thanks.

- Bob -

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darksine - 17 Feb 2004 08:00 GMT

> An ad has been running on TV for several months and it touts the pros of
> using a certain brand name h2 receptor antagonist while trying to discourage
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>
> - Bob -

Well it all depends on how bad your heartburn or GERD really is. OTC
PPI (proton pump inhibitors) are fine, but for many people who just have
the occasional heartburn it is a little be like using a sledgehammer
when a regular hammer will do. If the person using them is using it to
treat esophageal erosions, well they shouldn't be treating themselves
with OTC products. Granted that the OTC PPI is the same as the one
available by prescription, that still does not make up for the fact that
the person is not under medical care. And if he or she is under medical
care, then the doctor will probably just tell them to take the OTC PPI
anyway.

For most of the public, H2 antagonists are great, and they are very
cheap. They may not be the sexiest of drugs and no longer have the big
advertising budgets as other classes may have, but I feel they should be
used first line for any type of prolonged stomach problems. The
occassional heartburn will probably be fixed with some antacid, but if
the person is having it on a regular basis, they should go see a
physician and hopefully be started on H2 antagonists instead of PPIs
right off the bat.

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