Pantoprazole is used to treat conditions caused by excessive acidity in your stomach, such as ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (upper portion of the small intestine), reflux disease (also known as "heartburn", a burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth) and hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (tumour growth in the pancreas or the upper part of the small intestine which causes the secretion of too much stomach acid).
This medicine can also be used in the treatment or prevention of stomach ulcers associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation).
Pantoprazole treats these conditions by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes.
This medicine may also be used together with other medicines to treat a specific type of gastric problem caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
Pantoprazole may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Pantoprazole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different preparations of this medicine may be taken differently. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Pantoprazole is available as a gastro-resistant tablet, delayed-release tablet and delayed-release granules for oral suspension.
If you are taking the gastro-resistant or delayed-release type of tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush or split the tablet.
If you are taking the delayed-release granules for oral suspension, you can mix it with either applesauce or apple juice. If you are mixing it with applesauce, sprinkle the granules on 1 teaspoon of applesauce and swallow the mixture within 10 minutes. If you are mixing it in apple juice, empty the granules into 5 mL of apple juice and stir for 5 seconds, then swallow the mixture immediately.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Pantoprazole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
If you are being treated for the gastric problem caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, alert your doctor if you have moderate to severe kidney or liver disease as Pantoprazole may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine with rilpivirine (medicine for HIV infection).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that causes red, ring-shaped or raised lesions on the neck, shoulders, arms, back or chest)
- familial adenomatous polyposis (an inherited disorder that causes the growth of non-cancerous polyps [projecting growth from a surface in the body] in the colon and rectum)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Pantoprazole to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If your gastric problem seems to be getting worse, let your doctor know.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. test to detect neuroendocrine tumours), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Some genetic traits can affect Pantoprazole's efficacy. Individuals who are ultrarapid and rapid metabolisers of CYP2C19 may respond poorer to this medicine and may require dose adjustment. Individuals who are poor CYP2C19 metabolisers may experience enhanced effects of Pantoprazole. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. magnesium and calcium levels) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Pantoprazole may cause dizziness or visual disturbances. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- severe stomach pain or cramps, watery or bloody stools, severe diarrhoea
- muscle spasms, weakness, fits or seizures, abnormal heartbeat
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Pantoprazole with rilpivirine (medicine for HIV infection).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, clopidogrel
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- other medicines for HIV infection e.g. atazanavir, nelfinavir
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pantoprazole.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Do not eat raw food or food that is not cooked thoroughly, such as sushi and soft-boiled eggs. Meat should be cooked until well-done. Do not take unpasteurised whole milk, cheese, or fruit juices. Spicy food and carbonated "fizzy" drinks like soft drinks should also be avoided.
Eat small but frequent meals as large single meals may increase the pressure in your stomach leading to reflux.
You should try to avoid lying down soon after eating as this may worsen reflux symptoms.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet with your doctor or dietitian as a change in diet may help improve your symptoms.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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