Diarrhea caused by proton pump inhibitor administration: comparisons among lansoprazole, rabeprazole, and omeprazole

The number of patients who require treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is increasing in Japan. One of their adverse effects is diarrhea.

We investigated the incidence of diarrhea caused by 3 different PPIs: lansoprazole, rabeprazole, and omeprazole.

Patients using PPIs for >1 month were enrolled. Enrolled patients recorded daily stool frequency, stool consistency using the Bristol Stool Scale Form, and impaired quality of life caused by diarrhea for 1 month. Their attending physicians described the types and dosages, and duration of PPI administration, as well as other necessary information.

A total of 255 patients participated. Mean age of the patients was 70.7 years old. During the 1-month observation period, 3.5% of the patients complained of diarrhea. There was no significant difference for the incidence of diarrhea among the 3 types of PPIs. Furthermore, no correlations between diarrhea and length and dosage of PPI administration were found.

The incidence of diarrhea in patients receiving long-term therapy did not differ among 3 different PPIs. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: UMIN ID 000005300.