Gastric drug overdose causes 45% of coeliac ulcers: BSMMU VC
Forty-five percent of gastric ulcers are caused by an overdose of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) or gastric medicines, said Professor Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed, vice-chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
"Our bodies face calcium, magnesium, vitamin B-12 and iron deficiencies because of PPI," he said at a seminar styled "Overuse of PPI: A review of emerging concerns" at the BSMMU on Sunday.
Proton-pump inhibitors are drugs whose main function is to reduce the secretion of acid from the parietal cells of the stomach.
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Professor Sharfuddin further said people in Bangladesh are in a situation where more will die than Covid-19 due to excessive use of antibiotics in the country by 2050.
He also called for adherence to hygiene rules similar to the time of the pandemic.
The vice-chancellor urged all to be careful about Monkeypox as more than 80 cases of the virus have been confirmed in at least 12 countries.
BSMMU Gastroenterology Professor Dr Rajibul Alam, who presented the keynote address at the seminar, said most gastric medicines are being sold without a prescription.
"If the patient needs them, such medicines must be prescribed. But its unnecessary excess use should be reduced," he added.
The expert demanded that policies be formulated to reduce the use of excess gastric drugs.
