Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Protonix

Generic Name: pantoprazole (Pronunciation: pan TOE pra zole)

• What is pantoprazole (Protonix)?
• What are the possible side effects of pantoprazole (Protonix)?
• What is the most important information I should know about pantoprazole (Protonix)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pantoprazole (Protonix)?
• How should I take pantoprazole (Protonix)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Protonix)?
• What happens if I overdose (Protonix)?
• What should I avoid while taking pantoprazole (Protonix)?
• What other drugs will affect pantoprazole (Protonix)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is pantoprazole (Protonix)?

Pantoprazole is in a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Pantoprazole is used to treat erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excess stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Pantoprazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Protonix 20 mg

oval, yellow, imprinted with P20

Protonix 40 mg

oval, yellow, imprinted with PROTONIX

What are the possible side effects of pantoprazole (Protonix)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• nausea, vomiting;
• gas, stomach pain;
• diarrhea; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about pantoprazole (Protonix)?

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 break a delayed-release (enteric-coated) tablet. It is specially made to release the medicine slowly into your body.

The oral granules should be mixed only with applesauce or apple juice to make swallowing easy. Do not use any other type of liquid or soft food. Pantoprazole granules may also be given with apple juice through a nasogastric (NG ) tube.

Some conditions must be treated long-term with pantoprazole. The chronic use of pantoprazole has caused stomach cancer in animal studies, but it is not known if this medication would have the same effects in humans. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of developing stomach cancer.

Long-term treatment with pantoprazole may also make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B-12, resulting in a deficiency of this vitamin. Talk with your doctor if you need long-term pantoprazole treatment and you have concerns about vitamin B-12 deficiency.