How do proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) work?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) work by inhibiting the gastric proton pump, which is a specific enzyme found in the stomach lining responsible for the final step of gastric acid production. This mechanism effectively reduces the secretion of hydrochloric acid into the stomach.

By blocking this pump, PPIs decrease the overall acidity in the stomach, which helps in the management of conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. This reduction in acid allows for healing of the esophagus and lining of the stomach, alleviating symptoms associated with excessive acidity. The action of PPIs is distinct from other methods of acid reduction, such as neutralizing existing stomach acid or increasing mucus production, as their primary role is to prevent the production of new acid rather than to modify what is already present in the stomach.