This is How Dr. Brown Transitions His Patients Off Their PPIs
Important: Do not reduce or discontinue your PPI medication without guidance from your healthcare provider. The protocol below reflects Dr. Ken Brown's clinical approach to transitioning appropriate patients off acid-suppressing medications. Individual treatment plans may vary.
Support physiological function. Then reduce acid suppression.
Rebound acid hypersecretion is a temporary increase in gastric acid production that can occur after reducing or stopping acid-suppressing therapy, especially PPIs. Symptoms may briefly intensify as the system readjusts. This does not necessarily reflect worsening disease.
Clinical Approach
Step 1: Stabilization
- Initiate Re:flux: 2 capsules twice daily
- Maintain current PPI regimen
Step 2: Gradual Reduction
- Reduce PPI dose or frequency (e.g., alternate-day dosing)
- Consider use of an H2 receptor antagonist (e.g., Pepcid) on alternate days from PPI
- Maintain consistent Re:flux dosing
Step 3: Discontinuation
- Discontinue PPI once symptoms are stable
- 83% of clinical trial patients were off PPIs in one week
- Continue Re:flux as primary support – 2 capsules twice a day.
Clinical Principle
Reflux management should prioritize restoration of motility, pressure regulation, and directional flow, not solely acid suppression.