What is Protonix/Pantoprazole used for?

Protonix/Pantoprazole is a medication used to treat erosive esophagitis and other conditions relating to excess stomach acid (ie. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). This medication works by decreasing the amount of stomach acid.

How should I take Protonix/Pantoprazole?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist. Take Protonix/Pantoprazole with or without food. Swallow the pill whole, do not crush, chew, or break the pill. Do not stop taking Protonix/Pantoprazole even when you experience an improvement in your symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve after 8 weeks of treatment, inform your doctor right away.

How should Protonix/Pantoprazole be stored?

Store at room temperature. Protect from moisture and heat.

When should Protonix/Pantoprazole not be taken?

Do not take Protonix/Pantoprazole if you are allergic to pantoprazole or any other drugs.

What precautions should I follow when taking Protonix/Pantoprazole?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine.

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Protonix/Pantoprazole?

Patients being treated with Protonix/Pantoprazole on a long term basis may have a harder ability to absorb vitamin B-12 in the body causing a deficiency for this vitamin. Patients with this B-12 vitamin deficiency may experience pale skin, weakness, tired feeling, shortness of breath and a fast heart rate.

What are the side effects of Protonix/Pantoprazole?

Most severe:Severe: Allergic reaction including hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Most common:Common: Nausea, vomiting; gas, stomach pain; diarrhea; headache.

Other:Other: None.