Expert Opinion on the Effectiveness of Proton Pump Inhibitors Therapy in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Indian Settings

Abstract

Objective: To gather expert opinion regarding the commonly prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in clinical practice, with a specific focus on the use of pantoprazole as a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Indian settings. Methodology: The questionnaire-based survey, comprised of 19 questions, collected perspectives of experts across various regions of India regarding the usage of PPI therapy for the management of GERD in their clinical practice. Results: The present survey included 238 participants. The majority (84%) of the clinicians recommended PPIs as the first-line therapy for gastritis. According to 85% of clinicians, there were no significant side effects associated with PPI use in GERD treatment. Most of the experts (92%) recommended pantoprazole as the most frequently prescribed PPI.  Approximately 46% of experts preferred pantoprazole 20 mg for pediatric use, while 41% preferred prescribing pantoprazole 80 mg for adults. A significant portion (63%) of clinicians suggested pantoprazole as an adjuvant therapy alongside other medications. The benefits of using pantoprazole include a quicker onset of action, safety, good tolerance, and extended acid suppression, as reported by 71%, 14%, and 13% of experts, respectively. Conclusion: As per the expert consensus, PPI was the preferred first-line therapy for gastritis and GERD with negligible side effects. Pantoprazole emerged as the most favorable PPI for GERD treatment and was also regarded as a valuable adjuvant therapy when combined with other medications. Experts have shown a preference for prescribing 20 mg and 80 mg doses of pantoprazole for children and adults, respectively. With its rapid onset of action, safety profile, excellent tolerability, and sustained acid suppression, pantoprazole presented significant advantages, making it a valuable therapeutic option for GERD treatment.