Abstract:

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors are drug types frequently used for peptic ulcers and often prescribed with or without indication. Long-term use of PPIs (more than three months) can cause several adverse effects, including hypomagnesemia, a reduced serum magnesium level of less than 1.7 mg/dl. Methods: This cross sectional study analyzed peptic ulcer outpatients who underwent endoscopy at Zainoel Abidin General Hospital Banda Aceh, Indonesia and administrated with PPIs for more than three months. The duration of PPIs was determined using direct interview methods and serum magnesium levels obtained from consecutive respondents. Results: The majority of 42 peptic ulcer patients were female, with the mean age at 49.9 years old. The average time duration of using PPIs was 8.4 months and the mean serum magnesium level was in the normal range at 2.02 mg/dl. There was a significantly reduced serum magnesium level over time that negatively correlated with the duration of PPIs use. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant negative correlation between serum magnesium level with the duration of PPIs use. After chronic use (for instance after one year), stopping PPIs can reduce the possibility of severe adverse effects of using a long duration of PPIs, including hypomagnesemia. 

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