CBS - Are acid reflux drugs overused?

Many people who take popular antacid pills like Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix don't need them, according to a series of studies presented here at the American College of Gastroenterology's annual meeting.

In a Canadian study, about 70% of 125 patients were prescribed PPIs or H2RA drugs for ulcer prevention while in the intensive care unit. In nearly all cases (97%), their use was appropriate.

But about 40% were sent home from the hospital with an unnecessary prescription for the drugs. PPIs were less likely to be discontinued than H2RA drugs.

"Prescription of a proton pump inhibitor in the ICU was associated with the inappropriate prescription of the proton pump inhibitor upon hospital discharge," says study leader Jasjeet Rai, MD, of McGill University in Montreal.