The Scope of Pre- and Probiotics as an Add-on to Proton-pump Inhibitors in Various Clinical Indications

To understand the national pattern of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) prescriptions and to disseminate evidence-based recommendations for using probiotics as an adjunct to PPIs across diverse clinical indications.

Healthcare professionals' (HCPs) inputs and views were collected through a survey (n = 1,007) and four round table meetings (RTMs, n = 4). A standardized questionnaire focusing on the utilization of PPIs in clinical practice was developed, deliberated upon, and assessed by experts specializing in the treatment of diverse acid-related gastrointestinal (GI) conditions across various geographical regions.

Of the total 1,007 contributors, most (43.40%) opined that 10-30% of their patients were prescribed PPI for a long duration. The majority of contributors commonly prescribed PPIs for the prophylaxis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-induced gastritis (70.90%), peptic ulcer disease (58.39%), and various GI conditions. The majority of contributors (91%) agreed or strongly agreed that long-term use of PPIs disturbs the GI flora. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) (78.05%) was the most preferred indication for using pre- and probiotics. The duration for co-prescription varied, with a substantial portion advocating for 1-4 weeks (49.65%), while others supported durations of 4-8 weeks or beyond. Around 85% of contributors/HCPs agreed or strongly agreed on prescribing pre- and probiotics as prophylaxis to prevent GI disturbances. The study emphasized the growing trend of patient-centered co-prescription of PPIs and pre-/probiotics, with a majority of contributors favoring this approach.

The results underscore the importance of informed prescribing practices, including the co-prescription of probiotics, to mitigate potential side effects associated with long-term PPI use and optimize patient well-being.