Clinician’s Perspectives on the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Prescription Practice of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Indian Settings

Objective: To assess the clinicians’ perspectives on GERD management and the prescription practices of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in Indian settings. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among clinicians specialized in GERD management. Participants completed a 24-question questionnaire distributed via email or online platforms. The survey explored prescription practices, clinical observations, and preferences regarding PPIs and GERD management. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, with responses presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Out of 123 survey participants, 57% identified diet as the most common predisposing factor for GERD. Nighttime heartburn and disturbed sleep were recognized as key alarm symptoms by 57% of participants. Epigastric tenderness was the most prevalent physical finding, reported by 68% of clinicians. PPIs were favored as the first-line treatment for GERD by 78.86% of respondents. Domperidone was preferred as an adjunctive treatment for functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis. An empirical PPI trial was widely supported for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Rabeprazole emerged as the preferred PPI for nighttime heartburn relief due to its rapid onset and sustained efficacy. Conclusion: This study highlighted a consensus among Indian clinicians on the use of PPIs as a primary treatment for GERD, with a preference for rabeprazole. Domperidone is favored as an adjunctive treatment for functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis. Rabeprazole emerged as the preferred option for nighttime heartburn relief, owing to its rapid onset and long-lasting effectiveness.