pantoprazole (Protonix): GERD, Side Effects, Uses & Dosage (original) (raw)
- Uses
- Side Effects
- Dosage
- Drug Interactions
- Warnings & Precautions
- Things to Know
- Comments
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Brand Name: Protonix
Generic Name: pantoprazole
Drug Class: Proton Pump Inhibitors
What is pantoprazole (Protonix)? How does it work (mechanism of action)?
Pantoprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which block acid production by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec) and rabeprazole (Aciphex). Proton pump inhibitors are used to treat stomach conditions such as duodenal and peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome caused by stomach acid.
Pantoprazole, like other proton-pump inhibitors, blocks the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. By blocking the enzyme, the production of acid is decreased, allowing the stomach and esophagus to heal.
The FDA approved Pantoprazole in February 2000.
What are the uses for Protonix?
Pantoprazole is approved for:
- Treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Treating ulcers of the stomach (peptic) and duodenum
- Healing erosive esophagitis
- Treating Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
What are the side effects of Protonix?
Pantoprazole like other PPIs is well tolerated.
The most common side effects are:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Rash
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
- Gas (flatulence)
- Joint pain
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to sunlight (phototoxic)
Rare side effects include:
- Nervousness
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Leg cramps
- Water retention
Other reported side effects include:
- Pancreatitis
- Reduced levels of blood cells
- Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
- Liver damage
High doses and long-term use (1 year or longer) of pantoprazole may increase the risk of osteoporosis-related hip, wrist, or spine fractures. Therefore, it is essential to use the lowest doses and shortest duration of treatment necessary for the condition being treated.
Proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infection. High doses and long-term use (1 year or longer) may increase the risk of osteoporosis-related hip, wrist, or spine fractures. Prolonged use also reduces the absorption of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin).
Long-term use of PPIs has also been associated with low levels of magnesium (hypomagnesemia). Analysis of patients taking PPIs for long periods showed an increased risk of heart attacks.
Therefore, it is essential to use the lowest doses and shortest duration of treatment necessary for the condition being treated.
What is the dosage for Protonix?
- Pantoprazole is used for treating GERD and healing erosive esophagitis the recommended dose for adults is 40 mg daily for 4-8 weeks.
- The dose for treating Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is 40 mg twice daily.
- It is recommended that tablets be taken approximately 30 minutes before meals for maximal effectiveness. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, split, or chewed.
QUESTION GERD is the back up of stomach acid into the esophagus. See Answer
Which drugs or supplements interact with Protonix?
- Pantoprazole is less likely than omeprazole (Nexium) to interact with other drugs.
- The absorption of certain drugs may be affected by stomach acidity. As a result, pantoprazole and other PPIs that reduce stomach acid also reduce the absorption and concentration in the blood of ketoconazole (Nizoral) and increase the absorption and engagement in the blood of digoxin (Lanoxin). This may lead to reduced effectiveness of ketoconazole or increased digoxin toxicity, respectively.
- Pantoprazole may increase blood level of methotrexate (Trexall, Methotrexate).
- Proton pump inhibitors reduce blood levels of atazanavir (Reyataz) or nelfinavir (Viracept), reducing their effect.
- Proton pump inhibitors may also increase the action of warfarin (Coumadin. Jantoven), increasing the risk of bleeding.
- False positive urine screening tests for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may occur in patients receiving proton pump inhibitors. An alternative confirmatory method should be considered to verify positive results.
Is Protonix safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The use of pantoprazole in pregnant women has not been adequately evaluated.
Pantoprazole has not been studied in females who are nursing.
What else should I know about Protonix?
Protonix is available as:
- Tablets (Delayed Release): 20, 40 mg.
- Suspension: 40 mg.
- Injection: 40 mg
Pantoprazole should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). Keep away from moisture.
Pantoprazole is available in generic form over the counter (OTC) or by a prescription from your doctor.
Health News
Summary
Pantoprazole, brand name Protonix, is a drug that belongs to the class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Protonix is used for the treatment of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), stomach (peptic) and duodenum ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Side effects of Protonix include phototoxicity (sensitivity to light) dizziness, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea constipation, headaches, stomach pain, gas, dizziness, and joint pain. Serious side effects of Protonix are live damage, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), pancreatitis, and reduces levels of blood cells. Adverse effects and risks of Protonix used in high doses and long-term (one year or longer) include osteoporosis, C. diff infection, low levels of magnesium, and heart attacks.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Gastritis Gastritis (acute and chronic) is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach Some people have no gastritis symptoms, but when they do occur they may include bloating, belching, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. H. pylori infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the two main causes of gastritis. Alcohol, caffeine, and high-fat foods also can cause gastritis. Fried, fatty, and spicy foods and alcohol aggravate gastritis symptoms. Other stomach lining irritants that aggravate symptoms include cigarette smoking, acidic juices, caffeine, tomato products, peppers, and chili powder. Foods that soothe gastritis symptoms, and that help reduce and stop H. pylori infection growth in the stomach includes apples, onions, garlic, teas, green leafy vegetables, coconut water, and wheat bran. Gastritis is diagnosed with endoscopy, blood tests, or stool tests. Some people get relief from gastritis symptoms with prescription and non-prescription antacids, histamine blockers like famotidine (Pepcid AC) or ranitidine (Zantac 75), or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazole (Nexium). These drugs will not cure gastritis. Complications of gastritis include gastric cancers, MALT lymphoma, renal problems, and death. -
Esophagitis Esophagitis is caused by an infection or irritation of the esophagus. Infections that cause esophagitis include a candida yeast infection of the esophagus as well as herpes. Signs and symptoms of esophagitis include cough, mouth sores, chest pain, bad breath, sore throat, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment of esophagitis includes diet, lifestyle changes, and medication depending upon the cause. -
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Heartburn Heartburn is a burning sensation experienced from acid reflux (GERD). Symptoms of heartburn include chest pain, burning in the throat, difficulty swallowing, the feeling of food sticking in the throat, and a burning feeling in the chest. Causes of heartburn include dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and medical causes. Treatments for heartburn include lifestyle changes, OTC medication, prescription medication, and surgery. -
Helicobacter Pylori Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that causes chronic inflammation (gastritis) of the inner lining of the stomach and also is the most common cause of ulcers worldwide. About 50% of people in the world carry or are infected with H. pylori. Common symptoms of H. pylori infection are occasional abdominal discomfort, bloating, belching or burping, and nausea and vomiting. H. pylori infection is difficult to eradicate, and treatment is with two or more antibiotics. -
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Reflux Laryngitis Reflux laryngitis is caused by acid refluxing back up through the esophagus and voice box. Reflux laryngitis causes irritation and inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, larynx, and throat; and can lead to symptoms, signs, and other problems like esophagitis, sinusitis, strictures, throat clearing, swallowing problems, asthma, chronic cough, and growths on the vocal cords. Typical symptoms of reflux laryngitis include heartburn, hoarseness, or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Reflux laryngitis can be treated with diet changes, OTC medication, prescription medication, and lifestyle changes. -
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Heartburn vs. Acid Reflux Heartburn and acid reflux are not the same thing. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. Heartburn gets its name because it feels like a burning sensation around the heart. Another symptom that occurs with heartburn is a bitter or sour taste in the mouth, usually when you eat or lie down. Heartburn affects more than 60 million people in the US at least once a month. - Heart Attack vs. Heartburn Heartburn is a symptom of another disease or medical problem and can be described as a feeling of burning in the chest accompanied by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or a sour taste or food stuck in the back of the throat. Heart attack occurs when an artery in the heart is completely blocked by a blood clot, which causes that portion of heart muscle to die. Heart attack also has symptoms of chest pain, nausea, and vomiting, however, other warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack are unusual weakness or fatigue, and persistent and/or increased severity of symptoms over a few minutes. Heart attack is a life threatening emergency. If you think you or someone you are with is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately for urgent medical treatment. It may save your life.
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GERD in Infants and Children GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is the upward movement of stomach content, including acid, into the esophagus and sometimes into or out of the mouth. Common symptoms of GERD in children include colic, feeding problems, poor growth, frequent vomiting or coughing, heartburn, regurgitation, recurrent wheezing, pneumonia, choking, or gagging. Treatment may involve elevating the child's bed, keeping the child upright after eating, limiting foods that seem to make the reflux worse, encouraging your child to exercise, and serving several small meals a day.
Treatment & Diagnosis
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References
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