How long can you continue to take "proton pump inhibiters" for abdominal pains?

For a long time: Proton pump inhibitors (ppi's) are very safe drugs with few side effects. However, they should only be taken for specific reasons, such as reflux disease, ulcer disease, or as a mucosal protective agent if you are taking medications such as Aspirin or nsaids (ie. Ibuprofen) and have had a gastrointestinal bleed or are at risk of a bleed. If they are not controlling your symptoms, stop the ppi.