Role of Gastric Acid Suppression Therapy in Erosive Esophagitis: From H2 Receptor Antagonists, Proton Pump Inhibitors, to Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers

Abstract

Erosive esophagitis (EE) is an inflammation of the esophageal mucosa resulting from gastric and duodenal acid reflux, affecting approximately 55% of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients in Indonesia. Effective acid suppression is essential for mucosal healing and symptomatic relief. Histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) was initially used for standard treatment for GERD, including EE, reducing gastric acid secretion by blocking H2 receptors. However, their efficacy is limited by inadequate acid suppression. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) became the mainstay therapy due to their stronger and longer-lasting acid suppression. Although PPIs have been proven to be quite effective, they have several limitations, including slow onset and inability to provide sustained acid suppression over a full 24-hour period. In recent years, Potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCAB) have become known as a category of drugs that effectively suppress gastric acid production, through a slightly different mechanism, and have advantages over PPIs, including faster onset and longer time of action. Both PPIs and PCABs can be used as therapy for patients with EE. PCABs are more recommended, especially in patients with severe grades of EE. H2RAs may still be considered in patients who have already received PPI therapy but continue to experience unresolved nocturnal acid symptoms.