PANTOPRAZOLE  (Generic Name)

Also called Protium or Protonix)

(Chemical formula: C₁₆H₁₄F₂N₃NaO₄S)

About

Pantoprazole (Protium or Protonix) is used to treat duodenal and benign gastric ulcer (whether associated with Helicobacter pylori or not), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), NSAID-associated duodenal or gastric ulcer, gastroduodenal erosions and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Pantoprazole is also called Protium or Protonix.

Pantoprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor which inhibits the secretion of gastric juices and works in a similar way to Rabeprazole (Aciphex, Pariet).

It has been found also be effective in conjunction with antibiotics in the treatment of ulcers caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Dosages

For healing of GERD – 20-40mg to be taken once daily for 4-8 weeks.  The maintenance dose is 20mg daily increased to 40mg if symptoms return.

For oesophagitis – 40mg for 8-16 weeks.  It may be continued at 40mg daily for maintenance.

For benign gastric ulcer -  40mg to be taken daily in the morning for 4-8 weeks.

For duodenal ulcer – 40mg to be taken daily after the morning meal for 2-4 weeks. For maintenance for recurrent cases take 15mg daily.  For prevention of relapse take 10mg daily increasing to 20mg daily if symptoms return.

For NSAID associated duodenal or gastric ulcer and gastroduodenal erosions,  In order to prevent recurrence in individuals continuing to take NSAIDs take 20mg once daily.

For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome –  Initially 80mg once daily.  However, different individuals respond differently to Pantoprazole and the dose may be adjusted up or down accordingly up to a maximum of 240mg daily, which may be split into two equal doses daily. Elderly individuals should adjust the dose to 40mt daily.

For individuals with gastric ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection – Rabeprazole

is usually combined with antibiotic treatment using two different antibiotics, namely Amoxicillin (1000mg to be taken twice daily for 10 days) and Clarithromycin (500mg to be taken twice daily for 10 days).  If you are following this treatment it is very important to take the antibiotics for a full 10 days.  .

Pantoprazole should be taken before eating.  They should be taken whole, rather than crushed or chewed.

Do not use the combined Pantoprazole//Clarimomycin/Amoxicillin treatment if you are allergic to penicillin or other macrolide antibiotic.  (also see separate description for Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin for side effects and precautions for these drugs.  Clarithromycin should not be taken by pregnant women.

Pantoprazole is not recommended for children (without the supervision of a doctor), or nursing mothers.

Store this medication at 15-30⁰.

Side Effects

Pantoprazole (Protium or Protonix) is well tolerated in the vast majority of individuals, both in the short and long term.

The most common side effects are:  diarrhoea, flatulence, rash, headache and abdominal pain.

Less common side effects are dry mouth, insomnia, blurred vision, rash,  and drowsiness

Raised triglycerides have also been reported

Rare or very rare side effects are liver dysfunction, peripheral oedema, allergic reactions, photosensitivity, fever, sweating, depression, myalgia, arthralgia, skin eruptions, interstitial nephritis and blood disorders.

If taken with antibiotics, the latter may cause a severe allergic reaction in some individuals (anaphylactic shock).  The symptoms of this are difficulty in breathing, increased heart rate, swelling of the tongue and face, panic.  If you experience these symptoms seeks medical help immediately

Precautions

Pantoprazole should not be used in individuals who are breast feeding without first consulting a doctor.

Do not use if you are suffering from acute hepatic failure.

Not recommended for children.

Combined use with atazanavir is not recommended

Do not use if you are taking Cilostazol.

Pantoprazole may interfere with absorption/activity of ketoconazole, ampicillin, esters and iron salts.

If taken with antibiotics, the latter may cause a severe allergic reaction in some individuals (anaphylactic shock).  The symptoms of this are difficulty in breathing, increased heart rate, swelling of the tongue and face, panic.  If you experience these symptoms seeks medical help immediately.

Clarimomycin should not be taken if you are pregnant.

How does it work

Pantoprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor which blocks the hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system which acts as a proton pump for gastric parietal cells. It thus inhibits the secretion of gastric juices. 

More information

Pantoprazole is metabolised in the liver.  Around 71% is excreted via the urine and 18% via the faeces.

 Pantoprazol (Swe)

About Clenbuterol | Dosages and Effects | Weight Loss | Buy Clenbuterol