Diarrhea Caused by Proton Pump Inhibitor Administration: Comparisons Among Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole, and Omeprazole

BACKGROUND: The number of patients who require treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is increasing in Japan. One of their adverse effects is diarrhea. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the incidence of diarrhea caused by 3 different PPIs: lansoprazole, rabeprazole, and omeprazole. METHODS: Patients using PPIs for >1 month were enrolled. Enrolled patients recorded daily stool frequency, stool consistency using the Bristol Stool Scale Form, and impaired quality of life caused by diarrhea for 1 month. Their attending physicians described the types and dosages, and duration of PPI administration, as well as other necessary information. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients participated. Mean age of the patients was 70.7 years old. During the 1-month observation period, 3.5% of the patients complained of diarrhea. There was no significant difference for the incidence of diarrhea among the 3 types of PPIs. Furthermore, no correlations between diarrhea and length and dosage of PPI administration were found. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of diarrhea in patients receiving long-term therapy did not differ among 3 different PPIs. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: UMIN ID 000005300. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2012;73:112-120) (C) 2012 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.