Proton pump inhibitors shut down the enzyme in the stomach lining that pumps acid into the stomach. They are the most effective acid suppressants available and are used for reflux, ulcers and to protect the stomach from anti-inflammatory painkillers. Because they act on the pump itself rather than on a signalling receptor, they take a day or two to reach full effect but last much longer than an H2 blocker.
Class descriptions are written by the Priya Life Science editorial team. Individual drug pages combine that summary with live label, approval, manufacturer and shortage data from the U.S. FDA via the openFDA API. This page is general information and is not medical advice — it is not exhaustive, drugs within a class are not automatically interchangeable, and approvals and brand names differ between the US, EU/Ireland (EMA/HPRA) and other regions. Always consult the official prescribing information and your clinician or pharmacist. Related: Drug Shortages Tracker · FDA Approvals · All drug comparisons