Non-prescription proton-pump inhibitors for self-treating frequent heartburn: the role of the Canadian pharmacist

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Main Author: David ARMSTRONG
Format: Artículo científico
Language:en
Published: Centro de investigaciones y Publicaciones Farmacéuticas 2016
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author David ARMSTRONG
author_facet David ARMSTRONG
contents Non-prescription proton-pump inhibitors for self-treating frequent heartburn: the role of the Canadian pharmacist David ARMSTRONG Nardine NAKHLA Medicina Canada Heartburn Self Care Professional Role Proton Pump Inhibitors Heartburn and acid regurgitation are the cardinal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and occur commonly in the Canadian population. Multiple non-prescription treatment options are available for managing these symptoms, including antacids, alginates, histamine-H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). As a result, pharmacists are ideally positioned to recommend appropriate treatment options based upon an individual’s needs and presenting symptoms, prior treatment response, comorbid medical conditions, and other relevant factors. Individuals who experience mild heartburn and/or have symptoms that occur predictably in response to known precipitating factors can manage their symptoms by avoiding known triggers and using on-demand antacids and/or alginates or lower-dose non-prescription H2RAs (e.g. ranitidine 150 mg). For those with moderate symptoms, lifestyle changes, in conjunction with higher-dose non-prescription H2RAs, may be effective. However, for individuals with moderate-to-severe symptoms that occur frequently (i.e. ≥2 days/week), the non-prescription (Schedule II) PPI omeprazole 20 mg should be considered. The pharmacist can provide important support by inquiring about the frequency and severity of symptoms, identifying an appropriate treatment option, and recognizing other potential causes of symptoms, as well as alarm features and atypical symptoms that would necessitate referral to a physician. After recommending an appropriate treatment, the pharmacist can provide instructions for its correct use. Additionally, the pharmacist should inquire about recurrences, respond to questions about adverse events, provide monitoring parameters, and counsel on when referral to a physician is warranted. Pharmacists are an essential resource for individuals experiencing heartburn; they play a crucial role in helping individuals make informed self-care decisions and educating them to ensure that therapy is used in an optimal, safe, and effective manner. 2016 artículo científico 1885-642X https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=69049099001 en http://www.redalyc.org/revista.oa?id=690 Pharmacy Practice application/pdf Centro de investigaciones y Publicaciones Farmacéuticas Pharmacy Practice (España) Num.4 Vol.14
format Artículo científico
id redalyc_69049099001
institution Redalyc
language en
publishDate 2016
publisher Centro de investigaciones y Publicaciones Farmacéuticas
spellingShingle Non-prescription proton-pump inhibitors for self-treating frequent heartburn: the role of the Canadian pharmacist
David ARMSTRONG
Medicina
Canada
Heartburn
Self Care
Professional Role
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Non-prescription proton-pump inhibitors for self-treating frequent heartburn: the role of the Canadian pharmacist David ARMSTRONG Nardine NAKHLA Medicina Canada Heartburn Self Care Professional Role Proton Pump Inhibitors Heartburn and acid regurgitation are the cardinal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and occur commonly in the Canadian population. Multiple non-prescription treatment options are available for managing these symptoms, including antacids, alginates, histamine-H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). As a result, pharmacists are ideally positioned to recommend appropriate treatment options based upon an individual’s needs and presenting symptoms, prior treatment response, comorbid medical conditions, and other relevant factors. Individuals who experience mild heartburn and/or have symptoms that occur predictably in response to known precipitating factors can manage their symptoms by avoiding known triggers and using on-demand antacids and/or alginates or lower-dose non-prescription H2RAs (e.g. ranitidine 150 mg). For those with moderate symptoms, lifestyle changes, in conjunction with higher-dose non-prescription H2RAs, may be effective. However, for individuals with moderate-to-severe symptoms that occur frequently (i.e. ≥2 days/week), the non-prescription (Schedule II) PPI omeprazole 20 mg should be considered. The pharmacist can provide important support by inquiring about the frequency and severity of symptoms, identifying an appropriate treatment option, and recognizing other potential causes of symptoms, as well as alarm features and atypical symptoms that would necessitate referral to a physician. After recommending an appropriate treatment, the pharmacist can provide instructions for its correct use. Additionally, the pharmacist should inquire about recurrences, respond to questions about adverse events, provide monitoring parameters, and counsel on when referral to a physician is warranted. Pharmacists are an essential resource for individuals experiencing heartburn; they play a crucial role in helping individuals make informed self-care decisions and educating them to ensure that therapy is used in an optimal, safe, and effective manner. 2016 artículo científico 1885-642X https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=69049099001 en http://www.redalyc.org/revista.oa?id=690 Pharmacy Practice application/pdf Centro de investigaciones y Publicaciones Farmacéuticas Pharmacy Practice (España) Num.4 Vol.14
title Non-prescription proton-pump inhibitors for self-treating frequent heartburn: the role of the Canadian pharmacist
topic Medicina
Canada
Heartburn
Self Care
Professional Role
Proton Pump Inhibitors
url https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=69049099001