FAILING ACID TEST - ‘Overuse of antacid linked to fractures’

New York: If you routinely pop antacid pills, now it is time to stop. US health regu l at o r s have cautioned doctors and patients of an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine from high doses or long-term use of a widely used class of drugs to control the amount of acid in the stomach. 

The class of heartburn drugs, called proton pump inhibitors, include prescription brands such as AstraZeneca Plc's Nexium and the company's Prilosec, an older generic treatment that is also available over the counter at a lower dosage strength. 

Proton pump inhibitors include the drugs esomeprazole, dexlansoprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole. The FDA said that studies suggest a possible increased risk of bone fractures with the use of proton pump inhibitors for one year or longer, or at high doses. AGENCIES

Publication: Times Of India Hyderabad;Date: May 28, 2010;Section: Main  Edition; Page: 18