Pantoprazole

Pantoprazole Sodium is in the class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This is a prescription approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pantoprazole Sodium comes as a tablet for oral use.  

 

What condition does Pantoprazole Sodium treat? 

Pantoprazole Sodium is a prescription medicine used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This happens when stomach acid often flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. This backwash of acid reflux may irritate the lining of your esophagus.  

This prescription may also be used for the treatment of peptic ulcers. These are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. Stomach pain is one of the common symptoms of a peptic ulcer. Here are some types of peptic ulcers: 

• Duodenal ulcers that occur on the inside of the upper portion of your small intestine 
• Gastric ulcers that occur on the inside of the stomach  

This medication lessens the amount of acid your stomach makes. This also relieves some symptoms like heartburn, persistent cough, and difficulty swallowing. Pantoprazole Sodium may as well help heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus.  

 

How does Pantoprazole Sodium work? 

Pantoprazole Sodium acts in the stomach to lessen the production of stomach acid. This stops extra acid from flowing back into the food pipe. It allows the esophagus to heal in reflux esophagitis. It also allows peptic ulcers to heal.   

Proton pumps are found on cells that line the stomach and are used by these cells to produce stomach acid. This drug inhibits the action of the proton pump which reduces the production of stomach acid. Stomach acid is formed in the stomach as a normal part of the digestive progression. Usually, the linings of the duodenum and stomach are protected by a layer that resists attack from this acid. Conversely, if large amounts of stomach acid are formed or this layer is damaged, an ulcer can develop on the lining of the stomach.  

Pantoprazole Sodium usually takes up to 2 weeks for the symptoms to improve. You can tell that the drug is working if it lessens your symptoms such as: 

• Heartburn 
• Nausea 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Regurgitation 
• A sensation of a lump in your throat  

 

What is the dosage of Pantoprazole Sodium? 

The recommended dosage will depend on your medical condition and response to the treatment. Do not stop taking this medication without the consent of your doctor. You should take this medication exactly as it is prescribed. For the best benefit from this product, take it regularly. 

Pantoprazole Sodium is to be taken by mouth. This is usually taken once a day or as directed by your doctor. You may take each dose with or without a meal. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew, break, or crush it. Remember to take it at the same time and in the same way each day.  

 

What are the precautions in using Pantoprazole Sodium? 

• Do not take Pantoprazole Sodium if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients.  
• This is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.  
• While having this treatment, limit alcoholic beverages.  
• You should not share this or any of your drugs with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.  

• This medicine may make you feel sleepy or dizzy. If affected, you should avoid potentially unsafe activities such as driving or using any machinery.  
• Stomach cancer can have similar symptoms to stomach ulcers and these symptoms can be relieved by this drug. Consequently, if suspected that you have a stomach ulcer, your doctor must exclude the probability of a stomach ulcer before you start this treatment. Otherwise, this drug could mask the symptoms of stomach cancer.  
• If you are taking a medication that is a proton pump inhibitor like this one for no longer than 3 months, it may cause the level of magnesium in your blood to fall.  
• If you have any liver problems, your liver function should be monitored regularly while having this treatment.  
• This medication should be used with caution in people with osteoporosis or who are at risk of osteoporosis. This should also be used with caution in people with vitamin B12 deficiency.  
• Call for medical help if you have any signs of an overdose.