Background:

The proton pump inhibitors (PPI) anti-ulcer drugs are one of the most prescribed pharmacological groups in primary care. The objective of the work was to know the prescription of PPI in a Primary Care Area, the Araba district of the Basque Health Service, to advise family doctors about its correct use, and encourage the prescription of the most efficient PPIs.

Methods:

Descriptive study of 200 family doctors PPI prescription at the Araba district of the Basque Health Service. Data were obtained from prescriptions billed by pharmacies between 2009 and 2014. We analyzed the expenses and DHD (DDD per 1000 inhabitants/day) of PPIs dispensed and the omeprazole relative uptake compared to other PPIs. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS v23® statistic software.

Results:

IBP prescription increased by 23.75% (from 78.14 DHD in 2009 to 96.70 DHD in 2014). Their use was much higher than that of other European countries. In the same period, omeprazole relative prescription compared to other PPIs decreased by 4.56% (omeprazole % Defined daily dose (DDD) went from 74.67% in 2009 to 70.11% in 2014). The overall expenditure of these medicines decreased by 17.60%.

Conclusions:

There is an overall increase in the prescription of PPIs, although the expenses have decreased due to price drop. Likewise there is a decrease in the relative consumption of omeprazole, although the indications approved had not changed. PPIs prescription should be done with caution since their unjustified high use in the prevention of gastropathy increases the risk of inappropriate prescriptions. The most recommended PPI continues to be omeprazole.

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