Pantoprazole - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview:

Pantoprazole belongs to a group of drugs called proton-pump inhibitors (PPI), which prevent the secretion of stomach acid. They are used in the treatment of ulcers, heartburn, and reflux.

By blocking the enzyme that produces acid, the acid production in the stomach is lowered. It allows the ulcers in the stomach and esophagus to heal, thus providing relief from the symptoms.

Composition:

Pantoprazole contains,

1. Active Ingredient:Pantoprazole sodium.

2. Other Ingredients:

• Calcium stearate.

• Crospovidone.

• Hypromellose.

• Iron oxide.

• Mannitol.

• Methacrylic acid copolymer.

Drug Group:

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that helps treat peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), non-ulcer but acid-related dyspepsia, etc.

What Is Pantoprazole Used For?

1. It helps heal duodenal and gastric ulcers.

2. It prevents pain medication induced ulcers.

3. It helps treat reflux disease.

4. It is used as part of triple therapy in H.pylori infection.

5. It treats Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a condition in which there is overproduction of gastric acid).

Advantages of Pantoprazole over Other PPIs:

1. Pantoprazole has proven effects of improving reflux symptoms and rapidly healing ulcers and the effects of Pantoprazole are more long-lasting.

2. It has a lower chance of drug interactions.

3. It is safe and effective in those with renal and moderate liver diseases.

4. Pantoprazole can be given intravenously in patients who have severe vomiting.

How Does Pantoprazole Work?

Pantoprazole inhibits the final step in gastric acid production. This drug binds covalently to the H+/K+ ATP pump and inhibits gastric acid and basal acid secretion in the gastric parietal cell of the stomach. This covalent binding prevents acid secretion, and the number of hours it prevents acid secretion will depend on the dosage of the tablet.

Onset Of Action:

Pantoprazole has a rapid onset of action, and the maximum effect of the drug occurs between 2 and 6 hours after drug administration. This drug has a bioavailability of 77% and is metabolized in the liver and excreted via urine and feces.

Expiry Date:

Avoid using this medicine after it expires. You can verify the expiry date printed on the back of the pack before using the medicine.

What Is the Dosage and Administration of Pantoprazole?

Dosage and administration of Pantoprazole depends on the following,

• Age of the patient.

• Weight of the patient.

• Medical condition.

• Response to treatment.

Preparations and Doses:

Pantoprazole Usual Dosage:

How to Use Pantoprazole?

1. Before using the medicine, read the package label and follow all the instructions.

2. Avoid taking this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or longer than the recommended period as it can cause serious side effects.

3. Usually, it is taken without food for maximum benefit. When the doctor has prescribed the medicine, take it as directed by the doctor.

4. It is preferably taken at the same time every day.

5. Swallow the tablets as a whole without crushing or splitting them.

6. Take this medication until the full prescribed dose is finished, and do not stop this drug abruptly. Take the entire course of this medicine, as advised by the doctor, as stopping the drug too early may not cure the disease.

Missed Dose:

Pantoprazole should be taken as instructed by the doctor, and in case you missed the dose, it can be taken as soon as you remember it. But if it is time for the next dose, you do not have to take the missed dose, and you can continue with your regular dosing schedule. Also, do not use an extra tablet in order to compensate for a missed one.

What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?

1. Before using Pantoprazole, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have been allergic to this medicine or you have experienced any other allergies to the inactive ingredients of this medicine. It is always better to speak to the doctor or pharmacist to know more information.

2. Before using Pantoprazole, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history (present and previous), especially of:

• Severe liver disease.

• Pregnancy, planning for a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

• Serious symptoms such as blood in stool, recurrent vomiting, etc.

• Low magnesium levels.

• Risk of osteoporosis.

• Lupus.

• Taking drugs for HIV, certain antivirals, anticoagulants, or Methotrexate.

  3. Before undergoing any surgery, always inform your doctor or dentist about all the prescription, nonprescription and herbal products you use to avoid future complications.

  4. Inform your doctor if you take Pantoprazole or similar drugs such as Lansoprazole, Omeprazole because taking similar medication will increase the risk of side effects, or it can cause an overdose.

  5. During pregnancy, Pantoprazole should be used only when clearly needed. So, discuss the risks and benefits of this medicine before usage with your doctor.

  6. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication because it can pass through the breast milk.

What Are the Side Effects of Pantoprazole?

• Common Side Effects:

Some common side effects caused by Pantoprazole are,

• Abdominal pain.

• Headache.

• Facial puffiness.

• Chest pain.

• Diarrhea.

• Generalized swelling (edema).

• Constipation.

• Rash.

• Gas.

• Itching.

• Nausea.

• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

• Photosensitivity.

• Vomiting.

• Joint pain.

• Dizziness.

• Abnormal heart rate.

• Cramps.

• Fatigue.

When these side effects are mild, they go away on their own within a few days. When they are more severe and do not go away, get medical help.

• Other Side Effects:

• Skin swelling.

• Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

• Atrophic gastritis.

• Hepatic failure.

• Pancreatitis.

• Low white and red blood cells.

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

• Interstitial nephritis.

• Low platelet count.

• Muscle wasting.

• Fatal toxic epidermal necrolysis.

• Erythema multiforme.

• Allergy: Those allergic to Pantoprazole may develop symptoms such as rashes, swelling of the throat, face, or lips, and difficulty to breathe. This is a medical emergency.

With long-term use, there can be low magnesium levels and vitamin B12 deficiency.

What Are the Drug Interactions of Pantoprazole?

1. The effectiveness of some drugs tends to change when they are taken with any other drugs or herbal products. Drug interactions increase the risk of serious side effects and cause the medicines to work improperly.

2. If this drug has been directed by the doctor, then the doctor or pharmacist may be already aware of all the possible drug interactions and may be closely monitoring you for them. So, it is important to tell the doctor and pharmacist about the prescription, non-prescription, and herbal tablets you are taking.

3. While using this medicine, do not suddenly start or stop or change the dosage of any other drugs you are advised to take without the doctor's approval.

4. The list of some drugs that may interact with Pantoprazole includes the following.

• Erlotinib.

• Nelfinavir.

• Rilpivirine.

• Atazanavir.

• Afatinib.

• Dasatinib.

• Digoxin.

• Delavirdine.

• Edoxaban.

• Itraconazole.

• Ivacaftor.

• Indinavir.

• Ketoconazole.

• Nilotinib.

• Mesalamine.

• Nisoldipine.

• Pomalidomide.

• Pazopanib.

• Ponatinib.

• Sofosbuvir.

• Riociguat.

• Venetoclax.

  5. These are not the only possible interactions of Pantoprazole. So, before using this product, tell the doctor about all the medicines you use.

  6. Always keep a list of all the products you use and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to avoid the risk of serious complications.

What Are the Common Brand or Trade Names of Pantoprazole?

The common brand names of Pantoprazole are,

• Tablet Protonix.

• Tablet Pantop Fast 40.

• Tablet Palio 10s.

• Tablet Pan-40.

• Tablet Pantocid-40.

• Tablet Pantova 40 mg.

• Tablet Aciban-40.

• Tablet Pantix 40 mg.

• Tablet Pantofix 40 mg.

• Tablet Pentastar-40.