Protonix (Pantoprazole)

Description

Protonix is a type of drug classified as a proton pump inhibitor or PPI. It works by reducing stomach acid production and levels. It uses pantoprazole as the main ingredient.

 

It is used in the treatment and prevention of the symptoms for conditions like erosive esophagitis and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

 

It must not be used to relieve acute heartburn symptoms.

 

Important data

 

Do not take Protonix if you are allergic to the main ingredient. Do not take it if you are allergic to Albenza or Vermox.

 

It is not meant to be used to relieve heartburn, but to prevent it. Do not confuse heartburn and heart attack symptoms.

 

Call emergency medical services immediately if you experience chest pain, pain in the arm and shoulder, or nausea and sweating.

 

Always take it for the duration of the prescription course. Do not stop just because your symptoms get better.

 

Do not take this medication if you are also taking HIV medication or Viracept and Reyataz. If you are going to use

 

Protonix for long periods of time, ask your doctor about the risk of stomach cancer.

 

Prolonged use of Protonix can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency.

 

Tell your doctor if you have severe hepatic conditions, osteoporosis, magnesium deficiency and osteopenia.

 

PPIs can lead to higher risk of fracturing your spine, wrists and hip. While there is no proven relationship, prolonged use in adults over the age of 50 has seen a correlation.

 

This medicine is not thought to have an effect on unborn children. If you are pregnant or have made plans for the future, tell your doctor.

 

If you are currently nursing a baby, make sure that you inform your doctor. Try not to breast feed while on Protonix.

 

Never give this medication to young children below the age of 5.

 

Dosage

 

Take this drug exactly as you have been told to by your doctor. Make sure you do not deviate from the prescription.

 

Never take this drug in bigger or smaller doses than you have been told to.

 

The pills can be taken regardless of mealtimes. The granules need to be taken at least a half hour before a meal.

 

Never crush the pills, chew them or break them. Swallow them whole. You can mix the granules with soft food like applesauce for easy ingestion.

 

In the case that you are required to take a drug test, remember to tell staff you are on Protonix. It can cause a false positive result.

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss a dose of Protonix take it as soon as you know. If you are about to take the next dose on your schedule, skip the missed one. Never take a double dose.

 

If you overdose, call emergency medical services immediately.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Headache
 Fever
 Sneezing
 Gas
 Vomiting
 Diarrhea
 Pain

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Severe stomach pain
 Nausea
 Bloody diarrhea
 Seizures
 Renal failure
 Magnesium deficiency

 

Call your doctor ASAP if you experience these.

 

Contraindications

 

Do not take this drug if you experience allergies to it.

 

Do not take with AIDS medication, iron tablets and warfarin.