Prolonged use of PPI tied to community acquired pneumonia risk: Study

The researchers found out that the incidence of CAP was higher in PPI users than non -PPI users [OR = 1.37 (95% CI = 1.22–1.53)], especially for PPI duration < 30 days [OR = 1.49 (95% CI = 1.34–1.66)]. Compared with non-PPI use, PPI use increased the incidence of CAP in the stroke disease population [OR = 1.52 (95% CI = 1.33–1.75)], but not in the liver disease population [OR = 1.13 (95% CI = 0.98–1.30)].

The researchers concluded that "Using PPI could increase the risk of CAP when compared to not using PPI. PPI use increased the incidence of CAP in patients with stroke. Clinicians and clinical pharmacists should weigh the benefits before medication and strictly control the indication of the prescription, so as to reduce adverse reactions." However some studies suggested an increased risk of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among proton pump inhibitors (PPI) users. However, the published evidence is inadequate to define the association between PPI use and the risk of CAP.

For further information : Xun X, Yin Q, Fu Y, He X, Dong Z. Proton pump inhibitors and the risk of community-acquired pneumonia: An updated meta-analysis. Annals of Pharmacotherapy.Published online August 2021. doi: 10.1177/10600280211039240.