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Pantoprazole

  • Swallow pantoprazole tablets whole (not crushed or chewed) with a glass of water.
  • Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medicine. Take them at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of pantoprazole.
  • Do not stop taking pantoprazole without speaking to your doctor first. If you stop taking your tablets too soon your symptoms may return.

About pantoprazole

Type of medicine Proton pump inhibitor
Used for Stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers)
Ulcers of the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcers)
Reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux or heartburn)
Preventing ulcers whilst taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a condition producing too much acid in the stomach)
Also called Protium
Available as Tablets
Injection

Pantoprazole is used to treat certain conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach. Acid is produced naturally in the stomach to help digest food. Excessive amounts of acid can irritate the stomach lining, causing inflammation, ulcers and other conditions. Pantoprazole works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, relieving pain and helping to repair the damage.

Pantoprazole can also be used to treat irritation and ulceration of the stomach caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Before taking pantoprazole

Before taking pantoprazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take pantoprazole

  • Take pantoprazole exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
  • Pantoprazole can be taken with or without food.
  • Swallow pantoprazole tablets whole (not crushed or chewed) with a glass of water.
  • Try not to miss any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose on time.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of pantoprazole contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty. Do not take two doses together.
  • Pantoprazole is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not stop taking pantoprazole without speaking to your doctor first. If you stop taking your tablets too soon your symptoms may return.
  • Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medicine. Take them at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of pantoprazole.
  • Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and will aggravate your condition. If you are a smoker, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about stopping smoking.
  • Try to avoid foods that may upset your stomach such as, alcohol, citrus fruits/juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes or spicy food.
  • Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside pantoprazole.

Can pantoprazole cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast and drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Dizziness and blurred vision Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were to become dizzy or were unable to see properly
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If your mouth becomes too dry, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist

Other side effects may include: constipation, flatulence (excess wind), tummy pain, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), general tiredness, skin rashes and itchiness.

How to store pantoprazole

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Protium®20mg, Altana Pharma Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. March 2007, accessed 10 December 2007.
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3685		 DocRef:
dils3647		 Last Updated:
4 Feb 2008		 Date of Next Review:
3 Feb 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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