proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and increased Clostridium difficile infection

Last reviewed 01/2018

Increased Clostridium difficile infection if using proton pump inhibitors

  • overall, it appears that proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are associated with increased risk of incident and recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), based on a consistent direction of association observed in the majority of studies included in the meta-analysis
    • the study authors concluded "... Despite the substantial statistical and clinical heterogeneity, our findings indicate a probable association between PPI use and incident and recurrent CDI. This risk is further increased by concomitant use of antibiotics and PPI, whereas H2 receptor antagonists may be less harmful..."

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