Many people in the United States take medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to treat heartburn and acid reflux.
These drugs include familiar names like Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid.
They help reduce stomach acid, easing the pain and discomfort of conditions like acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Around 1 in 10 American adults use these medicines daily.
However, while PPIs are helpful for many, a new study from the University of California San Diego has raised serious concerns. The research suggests that using these drugs for a long time may hurt your kidneys.
The researchers used a large database called FAERS, which collects reports of side effects from medications. They focused on people who took only PPIs and no other drugs. This group included about 43,000 people.
To compare, they also studied a smaller group of around 8,000 people who took a different kind of heartburn medicine, called histamine-2 receptor blockers. These include drugs like Pepcid and Zantac. These people also did not take any other medications.
The results were shocking. In the PPI group, 5.6% of people reported kidney problems. In the group that took histamine-2 blockers, only 0.7% reported such issues. This means kidney problems were much more common among PPI users.
When it came to long-term kidney damage, known as chronic kidney disease, the difference was even greater. People taking PPIs were over 28 times more likely to report this condition than those using histamine-2 blockers.
Other serious kidney issues, like sudden kidney injury and end-stage kidney disease, were also reported more often among PPI users. They even showed more problems with electrolytes—important minerals like potassium and sodium that the body needs to work properly.
This is not the first time PPIs have raised red flags. In 2017, another study from the same university suggested that PPIs could be linked to chronic liver disease. These growing concerns show that while PPIs help many people feel better, they may also carry hidden risks.
Doctors and patients need to be careful when using PPIs. These drugs are useful for treating symptoms, but they should not be taken lightly, especially by people who already have kidney problems or are at risk. This research highlights the importance of using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary.
It’s also a reminder that just because a medication is available over the counter, that doesn’t mean it’s completely safe for long-term use. Patients should talk to their healthcare providers about the risks and benefits of any medication they are taking.
The study was led by Ruben Abagyan and his team and was published in the journal *Scientific Reports*. It adds to a growing body of evidence that we need to be more cautious with how we use PPIs.
As scientists continue to study the long-term effects of common medications, it’s important for everyone to stay informed and to ask questions about their health and treatment options.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about Scientists find important cause of kidney disease and findings of Cruciferous vegetables may reverse kidney damage in diabetics.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about High blood pressure drugs may affect kidney health and findings of Effective home remedies for kidney infections.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
