Proton pump inhibitors [PPIs] are members of the benzimidazole family and are commonly used in the treatment of acid disorders, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, associated Helicobacter pylori infection, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, as they are potent inhibitors of gastric acid secretion.
Ranitidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, used in the treatment of duodenal ulcers and gastric hypersecretory states.
We present four cases of occupational contact allergy to PPIs [lansoprazole, omeprazole, and pantoprazole] and ranitidine. All four patients worked in the pharmaceutical industry and underwent skin prick testing and patch testing with the active ingredients that they handle at work, in addition to the standard battery of allergens.
All skin prick tests were negative; patch tests were positive for PPIs [lansoprazole, omeprazole and pantoprazole] and ranitidine.
In any individual with occupational exposure to these substances, a complete medical history should be taken, and their health should be monitored; working conditions should be optimised to avoid or minimize this type of occupational risk.
Contact dermatitis, Allergy, Occupational Diseases, Proton Pump Inhibitions, Ranitidine.