This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Pantoprazole Consumer Information
PANTOPRAZOLE
Generic Name: pantoprazole (pan TOE prah zole)
Brand Names: Protonix
What is the most important information I should know about pantoprazole?
- Do not stop taking pantoprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.
- Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.
What is pantoprazole?
- Pantoprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
- Pantoprazole is used to treat damage to the esophagus associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production (e.g. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome).
- Pantoprazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pantoprazole?
- Talk to your doctor before taking pantoprazole if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take pantoprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have liver disease.
- Pantoprazole is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take pantoprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is not known whether pantoprazole passes into breast milk. Do not take pantoprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take pantoprazole?
- Take pantoprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Pantoprazole can be taken with or without food.
- Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.
- Do not stop taking pantoprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.
- Store pantoprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a pantoprazole overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while taking pantoprazole?
- There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking pantoprazole, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.