OBJECTIVE. To study the prescribing pattern of proton pump inhibitors with regard to the time of dosing.

DESIGN. Retrospective study.

SETTING. Private hospital, Hong Kong.

PATIENTS. All patients prescribed three specific proton pump inhibitors from 1 January to 31 July 2006 were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES. For all three proton pump inhibitors, the prescribed dosing instructions were recorded as well as the specialties of the corresponding prescribers.

RESULTS. The ratio of doctors prescribing proton pump inhibitors before meals versus at other times was 1:105. The ratio of patients receiving proton pump inhibitors before meals versus at other times was 1:341. The number of tablets of proton pump inhibitors prescribed before meals versus at other times was 1:409.

CONCLUSIONS. The overwhelming majority of doctors in this study did not prescribe proton pump inhibitors before meals.

Key words: Anti-ulcer agents; Omeprazole; Prescriptions, drug; Proton pumps

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