Mealtime-related dosing directions for proton-pump inhibitors in gastroesophageal reflux disease: Physician knowledge, patient adherence

Objective: To describe physicians' knowledge, patients' adherence, and perceptions of both regarding mealtime-related dosing directions for proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Design: Chart review and survey of patients and physicians. Setting: United States, with data collected between January and July 2011. Participants: Patients being treated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with PPIs and their prescribing physicians. Main outcome measures: Patient-and physician-reported perception of PPI mealtime-related directions as important/ inconvenient (seven-point Likert scale; 7 = very important/ very inconvenient); physician-reported knowledge of PPI mealtime-related dosing directions based on whether the agent is labeled to be taken 30-60 minutes before eating (DIR-esomeprazole magnesium [Nexium-AstraZeneca], lansoprazole, and omeprazole) or labeled to be taken regardless of meals (NoDIR-dexlansoprazole [Dexilant-Takeda], rabeprazole, and pantoprazole); and patient-reported PPI mealtime-related directions received and adherence to directions. Results: Physicians (n = 262) recruited 501 patients who had been prescribed PPIs (262 DIR/239 NoDIR; mean age 51 years, 37% men, 56% nonerosive GERD [29% undocumented]). Across PPIs, physicians frequently reported incorrect directions or "did not know directions" (29% for esomeprazole to 69% for pantoprazole). While 98% of patients reported receiving directions from their physicians and 55% from their pharmacists, only 65% of DIR patients and 18% of NoDIR received directions consistent with product labeling. Physicians perceived greater inconvenience than patients (4.4 vs. 1.6, P < 0.001) and greater importance (5.2 vs. 4.5, P < 0.001) of mealtime-related directions. Overall, 81% of patients reported taking their PPI as directed. Conclusion: While this patient cohort was adherent to directions given, physicians' directions were often inconsistent with product labeling. Understanding physician and patient knowledge gaps may be critical to ensuring patients receive appropriate directions, improving patient adherence to specific dosing instructions, attaining positive therapy outcomes, and identifying opportunities for pharmacist-led interventions.