Pantoprazole – what it is for, how to take it and contraindications!

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach . This medicine is used to treat erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) in adults and children who are at least 5 years old.

In addition, it is usually given for up to 8 weeks at a time while the esophagus heals. It is also used to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other conditions that involve excess stomach acid.

What is pantoprazole used for:

Pantoprazole has both anti – ulcer and anti-acid properties and is used to treat stomach problems . In addition, it helps relieve problems such as gastritis , which is a problem that occurs a lot in people, and can help both in acute gastritis and can also help against gastritis that becomes chronic.

Thus, it prevents inflammations that occur in the stomach and that occur in the beginning of our intestine, which become a great discomfort for those who have them. The medicine can also cure possible injuries that can occur in the stomach , which mainly happen by the misuse of medicine that fights against stomach inflammation , so to speak anti-inflammatory.

These anti-inflammatories are not considered hormonal, so the drug pantoprazole can help treat the problems it can cause our stomach .

Precautions before taking pantoprazole:

Heartburn  can mimic the early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or dizzy.

• You also take medicine that contains Rilpivirine;
• You are allergic to pantoprazole or similar drugs (lansoprazole, omeprazole, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec and others).

Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had:

• Low levels of magnesium in the blood;
• Lupus ;
• Osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone when using pantoprazole . Talk to your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy, especially if you’re an adult over 50.

How should I use pantoprazole?

Take pantoprazole exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instructions. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Use the lowest dose for the shortest time needed to treat your condition. In addition, pantoprazole is taken by mouth (oral) or given by infusion into a vein (injection). A healthcare professional can teach you how to use the injection properly on their own. In addition, the tablets are taken orally, with or without food. Oral granules should be taken 30 minutes before a meal. Do not crush, chew or break and Swallow everything.

What happens if I miss a dose of pantoprazole?

Use pantoprazole as soon as possible, but skip the dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

What should I avoid when using pantoprazole?

Pantoprazole can cause diarrhea , which could be a sign of a new infection. So if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti – diarrhea medication unless your doctor tells you to.

 Pantoprazole side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to pantoprazole : hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. So call your doctor right away if you have:

• Severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• New or unusual pain in the wrist, hip, or back
• Bruising or swelling where intravenous pantoprazole was injected;
• New or worsening symptoms of lupus – joint pain or swelling with a rash on the cheeks or arms (worse in the sun)
• Kidney problems – urinating less than usual, blood in the urine, swelling , rapid weight gain;
•  Low magnesium symptoms – dizziness , irregular heartbeat, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, coughing or choking sensation
• Symptoms of Low Vitamin B – Muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, feeling dizzy  or short of breath, pale skin, tiredness, mood swings, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.

Long-term taking pantoprazole can lead to the development of stomach tumors called fundic gland polyps. So talk to your doctor about this risk.

Common pantoprazole side effects can include:

• Headache , dizziness ;
• Stomach pain , gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• Fever, rash , or cold symptoms (more common in children).

What medications affect pantoprazole?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some may interact with pantoprazole , especially:

• Digoxin;
• Methotrexate;
• A diuretic or “water pill”.

This list is not complete. In addition, other medicines can affect pantoprazole , including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Other information:

Remember to keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children, never share your medications with others, and use pantoprazole only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.