Best Time To Take Proton Pump Inhibitors episode artwork

EPISODE · May 2, 2025 · 2 MIN

Best Time To Take Proton Pump Inhibitors

from Dr. Howard Smith Reports · host Howard G. Smith MD, AM

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJKcyZ6PDwM/If you are taking a proton pump, inhibitor such as omeprazole, Prilosec, esomeprazole, Nexium, or lansoprazole, Prevacid, you are likely not taking it at an optimal time with respect to meals. Most directions given with these drugs vaguely recommend taking them an hour or so before eating.  Lab data pinpoints a more specific time.It turns out that the best time to take any of these drugs is exactly 20 to 30 minutes before you begin eating. Let’s find out why. The role of these proton pump inhibitors is to shut off acid production in the stomach. They work on acid producing cells in the stomach lining known as parietal cells. However, the drugs as you swallow them are not capable of performing this task. They must first be converted to active forms within the acidic crevices of the parietal cells called canaliculi. This process requires approximately 20 to 30 minutes to occur.If you begin eating before taking these drugs or before 20-30 minutes after taking them, their acid suppressing effect will be reduced. If you wait too long after taking the drugs before eating, the optimal acid reduction by the active form of the drug will have occurred and the food you are eating will trigger far more stomach acid than is desirable.So, to repeat, take any of these proton pump inhibitors exactly 20 to 30 minutes before eating a meal, whether that be breakfast or, if you’re taking the drug twice a day, dinner.  Effect of Food and Dosing Regimen on Safety and Efficacy of Proton Pump Inhibitors Therapy—A Literature Review - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8036504/#protonpumpinhibitors # ppi #acid #prilosec #nexium #prevacid

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