overuse of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-blockers in hospitalized patients

There's new concern about overuse of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-blockers in hospitalized patients.

Acid-suppressing drugs are appropriate to prevent GI bleeding in patients at HIGH risk for stress ulcers. These are often ICU patients who are on ventilators or have coagulation problems, trauma, etc.

But these drugs are also commonly prescribed as prophylaxis in noncritical medical or surgical patients at LOW risk for stress ulcers.