Information about Pantoprazole (Generic Protonix) :


Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that is used to treat severe inflammation and erosion of the esophagus due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, or stomach contents rising back into the esophagus) in adults. It turns off some of the acid pumps in the stomach reducing the amount of acid backing up into the esophagus. There are two forms of Pantoprazole: oral and injection. The injection one is only used in case the oral form cannot be used. Pantoprazole may also be administered to treat certain conditions associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and similar conditions.

You should not use Pantoprazole in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Pantoprazole.

In such case it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.

Before using Pantoprazole:
Before using Pantoprazole you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have liver problems.

Be aware that Pantoprazole may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the next: clarithromycin or voriconazole because the risk of side effects and toxic effects associated with Pantoprazole may be increased; digoxin or methotrexate because the actions and the risk of side effects may be increased;* HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Pantoprazole.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Pantoprazole:
You should use Pantoprazole as recommended by your doctor. Pantoprazole injection is usually administered at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. In case you use Pantoprazole at home, follow the injection rules strictly.

Do not use Pantoprazole in case it contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way.

Do not take Pantoprazole within 4 hours of imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole).

In case you miss a dose, contact your doctor for further instruction.

Ask your doctor for extra information about Pantoprazole usage.

Important safety information:
Pantoprazole usage may lead to dizziness. These effects may be worsening by taking alcohol or certain medicines. Prevent driving or performing any other possibly unsafe actions.

The results of certain lab tests may be affected by Pantoprazole (eg, false positive urine screen for THC/marijuana). Notice laboratory personnel and your doctors that you use Pantoprazole.

Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when full.

Lab tests, such as liver function, may be performed while you are using Pantoprazole. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

It is not recommended to use Pantoprazole in CHILDREN as safety and effectiveness have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Pantoprazole while pregnancy. It is not clear whether Pantoprazole passes into breast milk. In case you are or you will be breast-feeding while taking Pantoprazole, consult with your doctor or pharmacist and discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Pantoprazole:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; indigestion; nausea; pain and swelling at the injection site; runny nose; sleeplessness; stomach pain.

Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture. It may be different for various batches.