The Globe and Mail reports on soaring use of proton-pump inhibiting drugs among seniors -  the percentage of seniors using these drugs to ease gastrointestinal problems has rocketed up by 60% over the past five years.

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Proton-pump inhibitors are the most potent inhibitors of gastric acid available today.

The article notes:

“Laura Targownik, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, said the use of PPIs – which work by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces – has increased because they are effective and generally safe. “We don’t have a lot of other medications for these conditions,” she said. In recent years, there have been a number of safety concerns raised in relation to PPIs. Their use, and long-term use in particular, has been associated with a higher risk of hip fractures, heart attacks and infections such as Clostridium difficile and pneumonia. Dr. Targownik, who specializes in gastroenterology, said those risks must be kept in perspective and balanced against the benefits of the drug. What is essential for patients and physicians alike, she said, is to ensure that use is appropriate, particularly long-term use…“If there is a valid indication, then continue using PPIs. So I advise their use – with caution,” Dr. Targownik said.”