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Pantoprazole

 

Pantoprazole (generic Protonix) Review

brand name: Protonix
generic name: Pantoprazole

How does it work?

Protium tablets and injection contain the active ingredient pantoprazole, which is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor.

Proton pumps are found on cells that line the stomach and are used by these cells to produce stomach acid. Pantoprazole works by inhibiting the action of the proton pumps, and this reduces the production of stomach acid.

Stomach acid is produced in the stomach as a normal part of the digestive process. Normally the linings of the stomach and duodenum (an area of the small intestine directly after the stomach) are protected by a layer that resists attack from this acid. However, if this layer is damaged, or large amounts of stomach acid are formed, an ulcer can develop on the lining of the stomach or duodenum. This is called a peptic ulcer.

Acid produced in the stomach can also sometimes flow back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This is called gastro-oesophageal reflux, and can cause pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn. It can also irritate and damage the lining of the oesophagus, causing a condition called reflux oesophagitis.

By reducing the production of stomach acid and hence the amount of acid in the stomach and duodenum, pantoprazole can be used to treat these and other conditions.

Pantoprazole stops excess acid flowing back into the foodpipe and can be used to relieve heartburn symptoms associated with acid reflux. It allows the oesophagus to heal in reflux oesophagitis. It also allows peptic ulcers to heal.

Pantoprazole can also be used to prevent peptic ulcers that can occur as a side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac. NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation in condition like arthritis by reducing the production of substances called prostaglandins. Unfortunately, prostaglandins are also produced in the stomach and help to protect the stomach lining from acid, so NSAIDs can allow the acid to irritate the stomach. Pantoprazole is sometimes prescribed in combination with NSAIDs to help prevent peptic ulcers from developing due to this irritation.

Pantoprazole is also given together with antibiotics (usually clarithromycin plus metronidazole or amoxicillin) to help eradicate a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori from the stomach of people with a duodenal ulcer, or inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). These bacteria can contribute to the formation of peptic ulcers. Pantoprazole allows the ulcers to heal and helps create an environment in the gut in which the antibiotics can be more effective at killing the bacteria.

Pantoprazole is used in varying doses and for varying lengths of time depending on the condition being treated.

What are Pantoprazole (Protonix) tablets?

Pantoprazole (PROTONIX ® ) prevents the production of acid in the stomach. It reduces symptoms and prevents injury to the esophagus or stomach in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or ulcers. Pantoprazole is also useful in conditions that produce too much stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Generic Pantoprazole (Protonix) tablets are not yet available.

Why should Pantoprazole (Protonix) sodium not be prescribed?

If Protonix gives you an allergic reaction, you'll be unable to use it.

Use with caution in

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
  
  
• Decreased liver function
  
  
• Decreased kidney function
  
  

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•liver disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to omeprazole, lansoprazole, Pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Pantoprazole (Protonix) sodium

If Protonix is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Protonix with the following:

Ampicillin (Omnipen)
Iron
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Warfarin (Coumadin)