What is the most appropriate therapy for a 60-year-old man with burning epigastric pain after meals?

For a 60-year-old man experiencing burning epigastric pain after meals, pantoprazole is the most appropriate therapy as it is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This class of medication works by effectively reducing gastric acid secretion, making it particularly beneficial for conditions associated with excess acid like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcer disease. Given that the symptom is burning epigastric pain, which often suggests the presence of acid-related discomfort, providing a potent acid suppressant like pantoprazole can help alleviate the patient's symptoms and address the underlying cause.

While omeprazole, another PPI, could also be an effective choice for similar indications, pantoprazole is preferred here because of its safety profile and established effectiveness for managing gastroenterological conditions in the elderly. Additionally, PPIs like pantoprazole are often considered first-line treatments for chronic acid-related disorders due to their ability to heal the esophageal mucosa effectively and provide symptomatic relief.

Antacids provide temporary relief from acid-related pain by neutralizing stomach acid but do not address the underlying acid production issue. They may not be sufficient for the chronic nature of the symptoms described, particularly post-meal. Ibuprofen, a non