Protonix (pantoprazole)

Protonix Description

Pantiprazole is known by several trade names such as Pantecta, Protium and Pantoloc. Protonix is another popular name by which the drug is known. This ingredient is a proton pump inhibitor that holds back gastric acid secretion. Developed by Altana and owned by Nycomed, Protonix is licensed in the US. The drug is now marketed by Wyeth – Ayerst Laboratories. Protonix does not provide immediate relief for symptoms of heartburn. Certain conditions are treated on long term with Protonix.

Protonix is available in the form of delayed release tablets and delayed release oral suspension. The dosage strengths of tablets include 40 mg and 20 mg biconvex oral yellow colored ones. As oral suspension, Protonix is available as 40 mg enteric coated granules that are pale yellowish to dark brownish in a unit dose pack. Both forms of the drug should be stored at 20 degree Celsius and kept away from moisture as well as heat.

Conditions treated by Protonix

Protonix belongs to a group of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors which decrease the amount of stomach acid produced. The drug is effective in treating erosive esophagitis (where excessive amounts of stomach acid cause damage to the esophagus) and similar conditions that involve high amounts of stomach acid like the Zollinger – Ellison syndrome. The drug works by way of blocking the enzyme on the stomach’s wall producing acid. When the enzyme is blocked, acid production decreases thereby healing esophagus and stomach.

This drug therefore provides relief from symptoms such as persistent cough, swallowing difficulties and heartburn. Ulcers and cancers of the esophagus are also prevented to a substantial extent although the drug has not been approved and these are off label uses of Protonix. Treating and preventing intestinal and stomach ulcers is also done by the drug. GERD is a condition that is treated well by the drug.

Protonix Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

The recommended dosage of Protonix in short term treatment of erosive esophagitis that is related to GERD in adults is 40 mg once every day for a period of 8 weeks. Children above 5 years of age and weighing 15 kg to 40 kg are recommended a dose of 20 mg once every day for a course of 8 weeks and for children who weigh above 40 kg are recommended 40 mg every day. For maintaining healing of erosive esophagitis, adults are recommended 40 mg once every day. 40 mg of the drug is stipulated twice every day in adults with pathological hypersecretory conditions that also include Zollinger – Ellison syndrome.

Adult patients who have not responded well to the drug even after 8 weeks are stipulated an additional 8 week course of the drug. Dosage adjustments are made according to the individual. Protonix tablets can be taken without or with food. The oral granules should be taken at least 30 minutes before your meal. The tablets should not be broken or chewed or crushed. The pills are enteric coated which protects your stomach and hence should be swallowed whole. Protonix granules can be given through a nasogastric feeding tube. These granules can be mixed only with apple juice or applesauce to make swallowing easier.

b.) Missing a Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for the subsequent dose, skip the missed one. Taking extra doses for missed ones without your doctor’s consultation can prove harmful.

c.) Overdosing

You can contact Poison Helpline or get emergency medical attention if you think you have been overdosed with Protonix.

Protonix Warnings

If you are allergic to pantoprazole or similar drugs such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, you should not take Protonix. These drugs may have certain inactive ingredients that can result in allergic reactions or many other problems. Any other allergies that you may have should also be informed to your doctor. Your medical history especially when you have liver problems, should be told to your doctor. Certain symptoms could be characteristic of serious conditions. Inform your doctor when you experience unexplained weight loss, spreading pain to shoulders, neck or jaws, lightheadedness, sweating and heartburns.

Proton pump inhibitors have the ability to increase your risk for bone fractures especially when you take higher doses of the drug or take it for an extended period of time. Pregnant women should use Protonix only when there is a specific and critical need to. Consultation with the doctor is important before taking Protonix. Breastfeeding mothers should take this medication only if stipulated by the doctor. The drug can pass through breast milk to the new born. Long term treatment with this drug may make it difficult for your body to absorb vitamin B-12 which results in vitamin deficiency.

Protonix Side Effects

An allergic reaction to Protonix can result in hives, rash, swelling on throat, tongue, lips or face and difficulties in breathing. There are harmful or serious side effects from consumption of Protonix but some of the less serious side effects can include headache, dizziness, joint pain, diarrhea, stomach pain, gas, vomiting and nausea. When you take Protonix for an extended period of time, you can develop one or more of the following symptoms: rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness and pale skin. The continued use of the drug makes you test positive in a drug screening test. If you are testing your urine sample, inform the laboratory staff accordingly.

Drug Interactions With Protonix

Protonix should not be combined with Viracept (nelfinavir) or Reyataz (atazanavir).

If you are taking any of these medications to treat AIDS or HIV, you should inform your doctor prior to taking Protonix. You should also consult your doctor if you make use of certain other drugs such as:

• Principen (ampicillin)

blood thinners like

• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Plavix (clopidogrel)
• Nizoral (ketoconazole)

iron such as femiron, fergon, mol – iron and feosol besides others. The ingredient used in Protonix decreases stomach acid and so it may interfere with the functioning of other medications that demands the presence of stomach acid. The above listed drugs as well as amphetamines and azole antifungals are typical examples.

If you have any questions about buying discount Protonix online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.