Pattern of proton pump inhibitor calls to Texas poison centers, 1998-2004

There is little information on the management of potentially adverse exposures to proton pump inhibitors. This study examined the distribution of 2943 proton pump inhibitor exposures reported to Texas poison control centers during 1998 - 2004. In particular comparisons were made between exposures among pediatric ( age <= 5 yr) and adult ( age >= 20 yr) patients. Of the total exposures, 1813 ( 62%) were to the proton pump inhibitor alone. Of exposures to proton pump inhibitors alone, 66% were age <= 5 yr, 7% 6 - 19 yr, and 27% >= 20 yr. Pediatric and adult patients differed with respect to patient gender, exposure reason, exposure site, management site, final medical outcome, report of specific adverse clinical exposures, and listed treatments. Proton pump inhibitor exposures differed with patient age. In the majority of instances, potentially adverse proton pump inhibitor exposures reported to poison control centers may be successfully managed at home with favorable outcome.