Sign inBefore 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 have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have any of the following symptoms: bleeding, difficulty swallowing, being sick frequently, or unexplained weight loss.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
- If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
How to take pantoprazole
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
- Take pantoprazole exactly as your doctor has told you.
- Try to take pantoprazole at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. The usual dose is once a day in the morning. However, if you are taking pantoprazole for Helicobacter pylori eradication, you will be asked to take two doses a day - one in the morning and one in the evening.
- Swallow pantoprazole tablets whole. Do not chew or crush the tablets.
- Take each dose an hour before a meal.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and will aggravate your condition. If you smoke, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about quitting.
- Try to avoid foods and drinks that may upset your stomach, such as alcohol, citrus fruits/juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes and spicy food.
- Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored.
- If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking pantoprazole.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with pantoprazole.
Can pantoprazole cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Side-effects - these are uncommon and affect less than 1 in 100 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this? |
| Feeling or being sick, stomach ache, flatulence | Eat little and often. Stick to simple or bland foods |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids. If this continues or is severe, let your doctor know |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues speak with your doctor |
| Dizziness, tiredness | Make sure your reactions are normal before you drive or use machines |
| Dry mouth, itchy rash | If any of these become troublesome, let your doctor know |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store pantoprazole
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Pantoprazole 20 mg gastro-resistant Tablets, Nycomed UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2011.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Pantoprazole 40 mg gastro-resistant Tablets, Nycomed UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2011.
- British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)