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Proton pump inhibitors in the elderly population.
1Didsbury Medical Centre, 645 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6BA, UK. mark.whitaker@gp-p84678.nhs.uk
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|February 7, 2003
Summary
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is more common and severe in older adults. Rabeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), is a safe and effective treatment option for elderly patients with GORD.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) prevalence and severity increase with age.
- Age-related physiological changes and polypharmacy contribute to increased GORD in the elderly.
- Diagnosing GORD in older adults is challenging due to atypical presentations and symptom overlap with other chronic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of rabeprazole for managing GORD in elderly patients.
- To compare the pharmacokinetic and safety profile of rabeprazole with other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the geriatric population.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and pharmacokinetic data for rabeprazole in elderly patients.
- Comparison of rabeprazole's dosing requirements, safety, and drug-drug interaction profile with other PPIs, particularly omeprazole.
Main Results:
- Rabeprazole does not require dose adjustment in the elderly, or in patients with renal insufficiency or mild-to-moderate hepatic disease.
- Rabeprazole exhibits a favorable safety profile with minimal clinically significant drug-drug interactions.
- Pharmacokinetic and clinical data suggest rabeprazole is well-suited for the geriatric population.
Conclusions:
- Rabeprazole presents an excellent first-choice option for managing GORD in older patients.
- Its favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profile, including lack of dose adjustment and fewer drug interactions, makes it particularly advantageous for the elderly.