Protonix
Generic Name: pantoprazole
Brand Names: Protonix 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 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 break a delayed-release (enteric-coated) tablet. It is specially made to release the medicine slowly into your body. The oral granules should be mixed only with applesauce or apple juice to make swallowing easy. Do not use any other type of liquid or soft food. Pantoprazole granules may also be given with apple juice through a nasogastric (NG ) tube. 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. Talk with your doctor if you need long-term pantoprazole treatment and you have concerns about vitamin B-12 deficiency. 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.
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