The evolution of proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Purpose: This article reviews the diagnosis and current treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) available to nurse practitioners, with a focus on advances in proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Data Sources: Review of scientific literature and clinical management guidelines for GERD treatment and PPI therapy from the PubMed database, Google Scholar, and other World Wide Web resources. Conclusions: A number of safe and effective treatment options exist for GERD. Recent developments in PPI technology may begin to address unmet needs in PPI therapy. Implications for Practice: GERD is commonly diagnosed and treated by nurse practitioners in the primary care setting. Acid suppression therapy is the primary medical therapy for GERD. PPI therapy provides symptomatic relief of heartburn and regurgitation, as well as effective healing and maintenance of erosive esophagitis. Newer PPIs lengthen the duration of acid suppression and allow for more flexibility in dosing, which may improve medication adherence and decrease episodes of acid breakthrough.