An Audit on the Concurrent Use of Anti-platelet Medications and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) in Patients Attending Dr Doyle’s Surgery
Shehroz AHMED, Helen DOYLE, Charles DINGA and Pauline ALBYRNE
Patients on antiplatelet medication, such as Aspirin and Clopidogrel, are at increased risk of gastrointestinal complications. PPIs are frequently co-prescribed for gastroprotection, but certain PPIs (e.g., Omeprazole) can negatively interact with Clopidogrel due to shared metabolic pathways (CYP2C19). This audit was undertaken in a rural Irish GP practice to evaluate prescribing practices and ensure safety in a population with increasing multimorbidity and polypharmacy.To assess the extent of PPI co-prescription in patients taking antiplatelet therapy. To determine whether the choice of PPI aligns with recommended guidelines, particularly for patients on Clopidogrel.A retrospective chart review of patients aged >16 years prescribed antiplatelet therapy was performed. Data collected included PPI co-prescription status and appropriateness of PPI choice. Audit standards were based on JACC recommendations, and data were analysed using Excel.Total patients on Aspirin: 38 PPI co-prescribed: 22 (57.9%) No PPI documented: 16 (42.1%) PPIs used: Esomeprazole (8), Pantoprazole (7), Lansoprazole (6), Omeprazole (1) 2 patients were on Clopidogrel: 1 prescribed Pantoprazole (appropriate) 1 prescribed Omeprazole (interaction risk identified)This audit shows inconsistent adherence to gastroprotection recommendations for patients on antiplatelet therapy, with over 40% having no documented PPI cover. This may reflect incomplete documentation, OTC PPI use, or missed prescribing opportunities. One case of inappropriate PPI selection in a patient on Clopidogrel highlights the need for improved awareness of drug–drug interactions, particularly the avoidance of Omeprazole due to CYP2C19 inhibition. Strengthening medication reviews, especially within CDM clinics, and improving documentation practices will help reduce gastrointestinal risk and optimise patient safety.There is inconsistent PPI co-prescribing in patients taking antiplatelet therapy, with a notable proportion lacking gastroprotective cover. An inappropriate PPI choice was identified in a patient on Clopidogrel. Improvements are needed in prescription review, documentation, and guideline-based selection of PPIs (preferably Pantoprazole when Clopidogrel is used) to enhance patient safety and reduce adverse outcomes
