The following information is a summary about Protonix. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Protonix medication prescribed?
Protonix/Pantoprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Protonix is used for short-term treatment of heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus) caused by backward flow of acid from the stomach. Protonix decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach.
This Protonix medicine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Protonix pharmacist for more Protonix information.
How should this Protonix medicine be used?
Protonix/Pantoprazole comes as an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. Protonix is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Do not split, chew, or crush the Protonix tablets; swallow them whole. Protonix/Pantoprazole is usually taken for 8 weeks, but your doctor may want you to take Protonix for another 8 weeks if your esophagus has not healed. Follow the Protonix directions on your Protonix prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Protonix pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Protonix/pantoprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Protonix or take Protonix more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Symptoms of heartburn and injury to the esophagus should improve within 8 weeks of beginning Protonix/pantoprazole. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, call your doctor. Once you and your doctor are sure the Protonix drug works for you, continue to take Protonix/pantoprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Protonix/pantoprazole without talking to your doctor.
What special Protonix precautions should I follow?
Before taking Protonix/pantoprazole,
tell your doctor and Protonix pharmacist if you are allergic to lansoprazole, omeprazole, Protonix/pantoprazole, rabeprazole, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and Protonix pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially ampicillin, iron-containing medications (including multivitamins), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and vitamins and herbal products.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Protonix/pantoprazole, call your doctor.
If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Protonix/pantoprazole.
What side effects can this Protonix medication cause?
Although side effects from Protonix/pantoprazole are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Protonix symptoms are severe or do not go away:
upset stomach
headache
diarrhea
constipation
stomach pain
cough
mild rash
back, neck, or joint pain
If you experience any of the following Protonix symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
chest pain
difficulty breathing or swallowing
itching
weakness
rash or hives
severe skin rash with swelling and peeling
swollen face, lower legs, or ankles
vision changes
vomiting
yellowing of skin or eyes
fever
confusion
slow movements
speech problems
increased salivation
difficulty maintaining balance
ringing in the ears
sinus or upper respiratory tract infection
Protonix/Pantoprazole may cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). If you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia, call your doctor immediately:
thirst
dry mouth
tiredness
flushing
dry skin
frequent urination
lost of appetite
trouble breathing
Other uses for this Protonix medicine
This Protonix medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Protonix information.
What storage conditions are needed for Protonix?
Keep Protonix in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Protonix at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Protonix medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Protonix medication.
In case of Protonix emergency/overdose
In case of Protonix overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What should I do if I forget a Protonix dose?
Take the missed Protonix dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Protonix dose, skip the missed Protonix dose and continue your regular Protonix dosing schedule. Do not take a double Protonix dose to make up for a missed one.
What other Protonix information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Protonix.
Do not let anyone else take your Protonix medication. Ask your Protonix pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Protonix prescription.
