Does Intake Of PPI Medicines Cause Issues To Digestive System And Erectile Dysfunction?

Posted on Sat, 23 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 23 Jul 2016 Answered on

Sat, 13 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : How difficult is it to stop taking prilosec? Is it true that PPI medicines are harmful to my digestive system and that I may need to take digestive enzymes to help process food? I have severe G.E.R.D. that is managed by Zantac but I'm concerned about erectile dysfunction. Without a sex drive there is only breathing and Fox TV.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
See next

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM.

I understand your concerns:) But both these side effects, digestion problem and sexual disfunction are rare and usually occur within 6 months of starting PPIs.

Also, many people take it for lifetime without problems. My advice is, you should continue taking it and if at all any side effects occur, you can switch to Ranitidine or another PPI.

Wish you good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee