Protonix Oral

Uses 
Pantoprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It is used to treat acid-related stomach and throat (esophagus) problems (e.g., acid reflux or GERD, erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). Decreasing excess stomach acid can help relieve symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, and trouble sleeping. It can also prevent serious acid damage to your digestive system (e.g., ulcers, cancer of the esophagus).

OTHER USES:
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. In addition, it may be used in combination with antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers caused by bacterial infection.

How to use Protonix Oral

Take this medication by mouth usually once daily, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor.

Do not crush, chew, or split the medication. Swallow the medication whole.

Antacids may be taken along with this medication, if needed.

The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Continue to take this medication for the prescribed length of treatment even if you are feeling better.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Before taking pantoprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (e.g., lansoprazole, omeprazole); or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe liver disease, diabetes (poorly controlled), other stomach problems (e.g., tumors).

Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have: heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing), pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders, unexplained weight loss.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Pantoprazole passes into breast milk. Due to potential risks to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended.Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES:

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.

MISSED DOSE:

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:

Store the US product at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.

Store the Canadian product between 59-86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) in the recommended packaging.

Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or stomach/abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of increased blood sugar levels (e.g., increased thirst, increased urination, confusion).

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: signs of vitamin B-12 deficiency with long-term (over 3 years) treatment (e.g., unusual weakness, sore tongue, numbness or tingling of the hands/feet).

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because a very serious interaction may occur: atazanavir, nelfinavir.

If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting pantoprazole.

Pantoprazole can decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs which require stomach acid in order to be absorbed. Before using this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist on how to manage such a potential interaction if you are taking the following drugs: ampicillin, azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), iron supplements, warfarin.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially digoxin. Based on information for similar drugs, pantoprazole may increase the amount of digoxin that is absorbed into your blood. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

This medication may affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., false positive urine screen for tetrahydrocannabinol-THC). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.