Pantoprazole is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) that is used in the treatment of symptoms like acidity, heartburn, and ulcers.
For the maximum effect of Pantoprazole, it should be taken empty stomach in the morning.
Pantoprazole Tablet Uses
1) Acidity
2) Stomach Ulcers
3) Heart-burn
4) Zollinger Ellison Syndrome
5) GERD (Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disorder)
6) Esophagitis
Mode of Action of Pantoprazole Tablet
Pantoprazole is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI).
It works by blocking the proton pump that produces gastric Juices in our stomach.
When we eat something, gastric juice starts coming out in our stomach.
These gastric juices help in the digestion of food.
When this juice starts coming out in excessive quantity then we get acidity.
This gastric juice is made by the parietal cells inside our stomach.
These cells have proton pumps that expel hydrogen ions that make up gastric juice.
Pantoprazole blocks these proton pumps. Because of this, they are not able to make acid and we get relief in acidity.
But pantoprazole does not directly block the proton pump, it is first absorbed by our body and then enters our blood, then after that it becomes active by going to the parietal cells and then blocks the proton pump.
Pantoprazole takes time to show effect, which is why all PPIs available in the market come in instant release and sustained release forms to provide immediate and prolonged relief to the patient.
The effect of Pantoprazole lasts for 2 to 3 days.
Dosage of Pantoprazole Tablet
Pantoprazole tablets come in 20 mg and 40 mg. Normally it is given OD i.e. once a day in the morning on an empty stomach.
But in patients with severe acidity and ulcers, it is also given at 40 mg in the morning and 40 mg in the evening.
Pantoprazole starts acting quickly when taken on an empty stomach, if you take Pantoprazole after eating something then it takes time to show its effect.
In children from 6 years to 16 years, 20 mg of pantoprazole should be given.
Pantoprazole Side Effects
Although there are very few side effects of Pantoprazole, in some patients the symptoms of its side effects are seen like
1) Dry mouth
2) Diarrhea
3) Headache
4) Dizziness
5) Vomiting and Nausea
6) Abdominal pain
7) Reduction of white blood cells
8) Increase in cholesterol and liver enzymes
9) Lack of proper absorption of vitamins and minerals
10) Trembling hands and feet
11) Loss of taste in the mouth
Who Should not Take Pantoprazole
1) Children below 6 years of age
2) Pregnant or lactating women
3) To the patient with Osteoporosis
4) Patients with Vitamin B-12 deficiency, as the use of Pantoprazole inhibits the absorption of Vitamin B-12 from food.
Due to this, the patient becomes deficient in Vitamin B-12.
5) Long-term use of pantoprazole causes hypomagnesemia.
Due to which there is a deficiency of magnesium in the body and the patient may have muscle pain and cramps, seizures, and abnormal heartbeat.
6) Taking pantoprazole for a long time can cause atrophic gastritis in the stomach.
With prolonged use, it gives a chance to grow a bacteria called H.Pylori.
7) If you are using Pantoprazole for one year then it weakens your bones.
What Drugs Interact With Pantoprazole
Some medicines can increase or decrease the effect of pantoprazole.
Before taking such medicines with pantoprazole, you must consult your doctor like
Blood thinners (Anticoagulants)  –  These medicines can cause internal bleeding in the body when taken with pantoprazole. So do not take it without doctor’s advice.
H2 blocker medicines (Ranitidine)  –  These medicines can increase the side effects caused by pantoprazole.
Other PPIs like Rabeprazole, Omeprazole, etc. should not be taken along with Pantoprazole as it may lead to an overdose.
HIV medicines  – HIV medicines may not be absorbed properly when taken with pantoprazole, especially anti-viral medicines like Atazanavir and Rilpivirine.
Methotrexate  – When this medicine is taken with Pantoprazole, the level of methotrexate in the body increases.
Because of this, it can have side effects. Methotrexate is a drug given in cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Clopidogrel  –  The effect of clopidogrel decreases when pantoprazole is given with clopidogrel. So do not take Pantoprazole without a doctor’s advice.
Some other medicines also interact with Pantoprazole like Diazepam, Digoxin, Iron supplements, Ketoconazole, etc.
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