Drugs that inhibit acid secretion

Abstract

Histamine H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are the main classes of drug used to inhibit gastric acid secretion. The former act by reversibly blocking the action of histamine, which is released from other mucosal cells in anticipation of a meal or when food enters the stomach. The proton pump inhibitors have a long-lasting effect on acid secretion. They inactivate the final step in acid secretion - the transport of hydrogen ions from the parietal cells to the lumen of the gastric glands.