Expert Opinion on the Prescription Practice of Proton Pump Inhibitor for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Objective: To identify and evaluate the ideal therapeutic option for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and associated nighttime heartburn in Indian settings with a special focus on rabeprazole prescription practice.

Methods: The cross-sectional, multiple-response questionnaire-based study was conducted among physicians specialized in the management of GERD. The questionnaire-based survey covered various aspects of GERD management, with a particular focus on the prescription preferences of rabeprazole.

Results: The survey collected responses from 192 experts, assessing their preference for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with 24-hour action. Approximately 91% of respondents favored rabeprazole over omeprazole and pantoprazole. Furthermore, approximately 53% of experts reported a higher incidence of GERD in subjects aged 40-55 years compared to other age groups. Obesity emerged as the predominant comorbid condition among patients experiencing nighttime heartburn associated with GERD. Rabeprazole was the preferred choice for managing nighttime heartburn with GERD symptoms, as indicated by 95% of experts. An overwhelming 97% and 90% of respondents preferred rabeprazole, acknowledging its rapid onset of action and suitability for long-term administration in the context of nighttime heartburn among GERD patients. Notably, 83% of the respondents preferred using domperidone as the prokinetic agent, particularly in conjunction with rabeprazole for the management of functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis.

Conclusion: Among other PPIs, rabeprazole was the preferred choice among experts for GERD management and nighttime heartburn relief, emphasizing its effectiveness in improving the quality of life for GERD patients. Also, it was also noted that domperidone was the preferred prokinetic agent for clinical use in combination with rabeprazole for the management of functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis.