Anti-acids (2012) & Clostridium difficile risk

Learn more about natural indigestion recommendations

The Canadian Health Ministry is warning people about the possible risk of potentially dangerous clostridium difficile-related diarrhea from use of prescription anti-acids, known as "protein-pumps". Protein-pumps are used to treat acid reflux, and stomach and small intestine ulcers.

While there is not yet conclusive evidence, a number of different studies strongly suggest a connection between prescription anti-acids and clostridium difficile problems, especially in vulnerable people: the elderly, those with severe underlying illness, hospitalization, or those taking antibiotics.

Symptoms include severe watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain or tenderness.

Here's a list of drugs (sold in Canada):

• Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
• Esomeprazole (Nexium and its generic equivalent)
• Omeprazole (Losec and its generic equivalents)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid and its generic equivalents)
• Pantoprazole (Pantoloc and Panto IV, and their generic equivalents)
• Pantoprazole/magnesium (Tecta)
• Rabeprazole (Pariet and its generic equivalents)
• These products may also be found in combination with other drugs, for example: Vimovo contains esomeprazole