Pantoprazole is used to treat heartburn and certain other conditions caused by too much acid in the stomach.
Pantoprazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Pantoprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes.
Pantoprazole is available as Protonix and generic pantoprazole in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
Pantoprazole is also available in injectable forms.
Pantoprazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
The most common side effects of pantoprazole are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of pantoprazole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
While less common, the most serious side effects of pantoprazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Kidney problems. A type of kidney problem called acute tubulointerstitial nephritis can happen at any time during treatment with pantoprazole. If you notice a decrease in the amount of your urine or see blood in your urine, call your doctor right away.
Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut during treatment with pantoprazole. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use pantoprazole.
Drug Interactions. Pantoprazole should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking pantoprazole, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Do not take pantoprazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share pantoprazole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep pantoprazole out of the reach of children.
Do not chew, cut, or crush pantoprazole.
Antacids may be taken with pantoprazole if needed.
Pantoprazole should not be used for immediate relief of heartburn. It may take 1 to 4 days for the medicine to fully work.
Pantoprazole tablets may be taken with or without food. Take pantoprazole oral suspension 30 minutes before a meal.
Pantoprazole packets should only be mixed with apple juice or applesauce.
If pantoprazole is given through a nasogastric (NG) tube, your health care provider will give you instructions on how to properly give it.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if pantoprazole is right for you.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Pantoprazole may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using pantoprazole, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how pantoprazole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Pantoprazole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take pantoprazole while breastfeeding.
Pantoprazole tablets may be taken with or without food. Take pantoprazole oral suspension 30 minutes before a meal.
Pantoprazole granules should only be mixed with apple juice or applesauce. Do not mix with any other foods or liquids.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect pantoprazole.
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using pantoprazole.
Pantoprazole may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with pantoprazole. Always check with your healthcare provider.
If you or someone else has used too much pantoprazole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.