Research is showing that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are being overprescribed during hospital admissions and following discharge. Studies have been published showing that there are opportunities for substantial cost savings in relation to PPI prescribing if there were some clinical guidelines used nationally. In addition to the costs, there are also the risks of devastating side effects from continued use. It is necessary to have a more defined reason for the administration and continuation of PPIs. The Need for Proton Pump Inhibitors Being admitted to hospital is a scary thing, especially if unexpected. A common trend is observed among patients upon admission. They are usually less mobile, take more medications, and are prone to developing stress ulcers as a result of the hospital stay itself. All the reasons mentioned above can cause stress ulcers. This means that there is reflux of stomach contents into the lower esophagus. Excess acid in the stomach occurs when the patient is immobile due to the passage of gastric contents from a lower pressure to a higher pressure. (Lewis, 2007 p.1003) Typically this occurs when the patient is in the supine position or with increased abdominal pressure. There are many reasons for decreased pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, from medications to diet. Doctors know that this is common and for this reason will prescribe a proton pump inhibitor or PPI when the patient is admitted. PPI works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Some examples of these drugs are omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole. These drugs are used to treat erosive esophagitis, which is damage to the esophagus caused by the stomach… middle of paper… take a PPI: It all comes down to cost. Journal Of Family Practice, 57(4), 231-236. Cahir, C., Fahey, T., Tilson, L., Teljeur, C., & Bennett, K. (2012). Proton pump inhibitors: potential cost savings by applying prescribing guidelines. BMC Health Services Research, 12(1), 408-415. doi:10.1186/1472-6963-12-408Hughes, J. D., Tanpurekul, W., Keen, N. C., & Ee, H. C. (2009). Reduce the cost of proton pump inhibitors by adopting best practices. Quality In Primary Care, 17(1), 15-21.Bernard, L., Fendrick, A., Inadomi, J., & McIntyre, L. (2013) Center for Biotechnology Moving from multiple to single dose pump inhibitors proton therapy (PPI): a prospective study of patients with heartburn or acid regurgitation completely relieved with PPIs. Am J GastroenteroCoggins, MO (2014). RECOGNIZE THE RISK OF PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS. Geriatric medicine today, 7(1), 6-8.