Trends in use of proton pump inhibitors among adults in the United States from 1999 to 2018

Abstract Purpose Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly used drugs in the United States (U.S.). We aimed to determine the trends in use of PPIs among adults in the U.S. from 1999 through 2018, hypothesizing the trend would follow an inverted U‐shaped curve, with a decline in recent years due to safety concerns. Methods Temporal trends in use of prescription PPIs were assessed using the 1999–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative cross‐sectional survey of non‐institutionalized U.S. civilians. Use of PPIs was defined as any use during the month preceding the survey. Descriptive statistics were produced and trends in PPI use were examined, stratified by sex, age, race, body mass index (BMI), and poverty level. Results Use of prescription PPIs increased from 4.1% of U.S. adults in 1999–2000 to 8.6% in 2017–2018 ( p for trend <0.01). All of the increase was observed during the first half of the study period (4.6% increase from 1999 to 2008 vs. 0.5% decrease from 2009 to 2018) and almost all of it was among those aged 55 or more (8.6% increase among those aged ≥ 55 compared to 1.2% increase among those aged < 55, p for interaction based on age <0.01). Conclusions Use of prescription PPIs increased from 1999 to 2008 and then plateaued through 2018. This rise was driven by increased usage among older NHANES respondents.