Use of proton pump inhibitors during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Abstract

QUESTION: A 36-year-old pregnant patient has symptoms of peptic disease. Treatment with diet and lifestyle modifications and also antacids has given her little relief. If she were not pregnant, I would prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for her. She is now 4 weeks pregnant, and I need to determine whether PPIs are safe during pregnancy. ANSWER: Data currently available suggest that omeprazole is not teratogenic in humans. While information on other PPIs is limited, a systematic review of the evidence suggests that they are also not teratogenic.