PROTONIX

Generic Name: pantoprazole (pan TOE pra zole)
Brand Names: Protonix

What is the most important information I should know about pantoprazole?
Do not stop taking pantoprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.
Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.

What is pantoprazole?
Pantoprazole is in a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Pantoprazole is used to treat erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excess stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Pantoprazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pantoprazole?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to pantoprazole. Before taking pantoprazole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs.
Some conditions must be treated long-term with pantoprazole. The chronic use of pantoprazole has caused stomach cancer in animal studies, but it is not known if this medication would have the same effects in humans. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of developing stomach cancer.
Long-term treatment with pantoprazole may also make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B-12, resulting in a deficiency of this vitamin. Symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency may develop slowly and include pale skin, weakness, tired feeling, shortness of breath, and a fast heart rate. Talk with your doctor if you need long-term pantoprazole treatment and you have concerns about vitamin B-12 deficiency.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether pantoprazole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pantoprazole?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take pantoprazole with a full glass of water.
Pantoprazole can be taken with or without food.
Do not crush, chew, or break an enteric-coated tablet. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating.
Do not stop taking pantoprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.
Store pantoprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of pantoprazole is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking pantoprazole?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking pantoprazole, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of pantoprazole?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
nausea, vomiting;
gas, stomach pain;
diarrhea; or
headache.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect pantoprazole?
Before taking pantoprazole, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen);
ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use lansoprazole, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs that can affect lansoprazole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.