Severe hypomagnesemia and electrolyte disturbances induced by proton pump inhibitors

摘要

The utility of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to treat gastric acid-related disorders such as peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis has increased dramatically over the past decades. Unfortunately PPIs are sometimes prescribed for long-term use but in the absence of any reassessments, leading to an unnecessary overutilization of the drugs and a significantly high economic burden to the health-care system.Recent data suggest that the long-term use of PPIs may be associated with an increased incidence of Clostridium difficile-related diarrhea, increased risk of osteoporosis-related fracture and gastric cancer through chronic gastric achlorhydria.