Final answer:
Proton pump inhibitors, such as Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Esomeprazole, reduce stomach acid and treat conditions like GERD and ulcers. They are distinct from H₂ blockers and are sometimes used in combination with antibiotics to treat ulcers caused by H. pylori infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proton Pump Inhibitor Examples :
Examples of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) include Omeprazole (Prilosec), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Esomeprazole (Nexium), Pantoprazole (Protonix), and Rabeprazole (Aciphex). These medications are used to reduce the production of stomach acid and are effective in treating conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
PPIs are different from H₂ blockers, such as Ranitidine (Zantac), Famotidine (Pepcid AC), and Cimetidine (Tagamet), which also decrease stomach acid but through a different mechanism.
When dealing with Helicobacter pylori infections that cause ulcers, a combination of antibiotics and a PPI, like Omeprazole, is often prescribed. This dual approach helps to eliminate the bacteria and reduce the acidic environment in which it thrives, promoting healing of the ulcers.