Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are among the most commonly used medications around the world. They are often taken to relieve heartburn, acid reflux, and a condition known as GERD, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
In the United States alone, about 1 in 10 adults use these drugs regularly. Some well-known brands include Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid.
Although these medications can provide fast and effective relief, a new study from the University of California San Diego warns that using PPIs for a long time may come with serious risks to kidney health.
In this study, researchers looked at data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, a large database that includes over 10 million patient reports about drug side effects. To make sure their findings were accurate, the scientists only focused on people who took PPIs without any other medications—about 43,000 individuals.
They compared this group to around 8,000 people who took a different kind of acid-reducing drug called H2 blockers (like Pepcid or Zantac), which are usually considered safer for long-term use.
What they found was troubling. People who took only PPIs were far more likely to report serious kidney issues than those who took H2 blockers. Specifically, PPI users were:
- Over 28 times more likely to report chronic kidney disease
- Over 4 times more likely to have acute kidney injury
- Over 35 times more likely to develop end-stage kidney failure
- 8 times more likely to experience other kinds of kidney damage
The study also found that people who used PPIs had more problems with their electrolyte levels—minerals in the body that help control important functions like heartbeat and muscle movement. This risk was seen with all five PPI drugs the researchers looked at, showing that the issue is likely linked to the drug type itself rather than one specific brand.
These kidney problems can be very serious. Chronic kidney disease often develops slowly and may not cause symptoms until much of the kidney function is lost. Acute kidney injury, on the other hand, happens quickly and may require emergency care. End-stage kidney failure is the most severe stage and usually requires regular dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.
While PPIs help many people live more comfortably by reducing stomach acid, the researchers say this new evidence shows the importance of caution. Patients and doctors should not assume that long-term use is completely safe, especially if the medicine is being used every day for many months or years.
Doctors may want to check kidney function in patients who continue taking PPIs, especially those who already have other risk factors for kidney disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Patients might also benefit from using the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time.
Lifestyle changes can sometimes reduce the need for medication. Avoiding spicy or acidic foods, eating smaller meals, losing weight, and quitting smoking are all steps that may help reduce acid reflux naturally.
This isn’t the first time PPIs have raised red flags. Back in 2017, another study from the same research team suggested that these drugs may increase the risk of liver problems too.
The lead researcher, Ruben Abagyan, and his team published their latest findings in Scientific Reports. Their message is clear: even medications that seem harmless—especially those available without a prescription—can have serious side effects if taken for too long.
As research continues, it’s important for both patients and healthcare providers to have honest conversations about the risks and benefits of these common drugs. Being informed helps people make better choices for their long-term health, especially when it comes to protecting vital organs like the kidneys.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about drug that prevents kidney failure in diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and common painkillers may harm heart, kidneys and more.
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