Pantoprazole
What It Is Used For
Pantoprazole lowers stomach acid. It is used for acid reflux (GERD), inflammation of the food pipe, stomach and duodenal ulcers, protecting the stomach during painkiller treatment, and with antibiotics for H. pylori infection.
How to Take It
Usually 40 mg once a day before breakfast, for 4 to 8 weeks. A lower dose of 20 mg may be used to prevent symptoms coming back. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it. The injection is given only in hospital.
Who Should Not Take It
Do not take it if you are allergic to pantoprazole or similar medicines, or if you take the HIV medicine rilpivirine.
Side Effects
Common: headache, diarrhoea, stomach pain, wind, nausea and dizziness. Long-term use can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels and slightly raise the risk of bone fractures.
Precautions
See a doctor before starting if you have weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood or black stools. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Use only if a doctor advises it.
Interactions
It has fewer interactions than some similar medicines, but tell your doctor if you take warfarin, methotrexate, HIV medicines or antifungals such as ketoconazole.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children.
Checked by the Oshud Alo pharmacy team. For information only; follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Pantoprazole