Acid-Suppressing Meds May Boost Pneumonia Risks

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"Even an uncommon side effect can occur when drugs are used in a lot of people," he said. "I think we have to be careful and not use these drugs indiscriminately."

Both doctors said that anyone taking the drugs for medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) need not be concerned. "These findings really just apply to patients who are hospitalized and who are on these medications in the absence of a clear indication for them," Herzig said. Her advice: "Don't stop taking your medications. Discuss any concerns with your physician."

But, for people who are hospitalized, she said, "I think doctors should reconsider the routine prophylactic use of acid-suppressive medications for patients at low risk of stress ulcers."

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More information

The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more on hospital-acquired pneumonia.

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