The FDA has warned that using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) associated diarrhea (CDAD).
Data from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System was reviewed, which suggested the link between PPIs and C diff. Those persons with the highest risk are the elderly, have other medical conditions, or who are taking broad spectrum antibiotics. These factors can increase the risk of C. diff by themselves, but the FDA said PPIs couldn't be excluded as a risk factor.
The drug makers of the PPIs are working on modifying labels to include the possible risk of C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
The FDA is reviewing H2 blockers to determine if there is a higher risk of CDAD associated with them.
Well, just for info: Iīm taking PPIīs for 16 years now ( and should do so for the rest of my life because of hiatal hernia and Barrettīs) and I have NEVER experienced any diarrhea.
I have Osteopenia though in spite of a VERY high Vit.D- level. I also had to take Corticosteroids a few times , the effects of which I can feel in other respects,connected to PPIīs I do not know yet.
I have been taking PPI’S (2/DAY) plus zantac before bed for Barretts. About 6 mos. ago I was given amoxicillin and then another antibiotic for tooth infection. Then I developed C.Diff. and it was horrible. Since I also have IBS I waited too long to go to the Dr. believing it was just a symptom of that. It took quite a while to get back to “normal”. I asked the Dr. about the PPI’s and he said that the chances were very minimal of getting C.Diff. from PPI’s. However, that was 6 mos. ago. Perhaps he has a different view since this info has come out. Now I am extremely careful when I have to take an antibiotic and ask for a specific drug rather than one that kills everything and I take probiotic and greek yogurt on a daily basis.
This is the first time I’ve been to your website. Thanks for providing more information.