Pantoprazole

What Is Pantoprazole Used For?

Pantoprazole is used to treat several acid-related conditions of the stomach and intestine, including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), commonly known as heartburn.

Pantoprazole belongs to a class of medication called proton pump inhibitors. These drugs reduce the amount of acid that the stomach produces.

You may be prescribed a proton pump inhibitor to take alongside an anti-inflammatory, such as naproxen.

Pantoprazole is available in the form of 20 mg and 40 mg tablets.

Prescription Doctor offer a discreet, UK next-day delivery service on orders approved before 3pm, Monday to Friday. You can get a private prescription for Pantoprazole online in the UK from Prescription Doctor today.

To begin your order, simply complete our online medical form. One of our doctors will review your it and issue a prescription of Pantoprazole if it is suitable for you.

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a term patients use to describe symptoms of acid reflux. It is usually described as a burning sensation in the chest.

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid refluxes back up into the oesophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the unprotected oesophageal lining.

Acid reflux symptoms often feel worse when bending over or lying flat after taking a heavy meal. Common foods and drinks, including carbonated drinks, acidic foods, fruits and juices, high-fat content foods and chocolate, can cause an increase in stomach acid production.

Heartburn is highly likely with the consistent consumption of these foods.

Over a long time, acid reflux may cause severe damage to the lining of the oesophagus. If untreated, the pain of heartburn may worsen. Heartburn should be treated as soon as possible.

How Does Pantoprazole Work?

Pantoprazole works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

With controlled production of stomach acid, there is a reduced risk of stomach acid rising and flowing back into the oesophagus, where it may cause uncomfortable and painful GORD symptoms, including heartburn.

How do I take Pantoprazole?

Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, a dose of one tablet a day for 4-8 weeks is recommended for treatment of heartburn.

Swallow Pantoprazole tablets whole with a glass of water. The tablets may be taken with or without food.

Your doctor will tell you exactly how long you should take Pantoprazole for, and may change your dosage depending on your response to treatment.

What should I do if I forget to take Pantoprazole when I should?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.

Take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take more pantoprazole to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I take too much Pantoprazole?

Accidentally taking an extra dose of Pantoprazole is unlikely to harm you.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away if you take too much Pantoprazole.

Pantoprazole side effects and cautions

Before taking Pantoprazole, read the patient information leaflet (PIL) which comes enclosed with your medicine. You should keep this document in case you need to refer to it in the future.

You can read the patient information leaflet online as a PDF. This can be useful to enlarge, download, or print off the safety information for your medicine.

Allergies

Do not take Pantoprazole if you are allergic to proton pump inhibitors or any of the ingredients of pantoprazole.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Raised, itchy, lumpy rash (hives)
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat

Precautions

Pantoprazole may not be suitable for you. If you are not sure whether it is safe for you to take Pantoprazole, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Speak to your doctor before taking Pantoprazole if you:

• are due to have certain blood tests (Chromogranin A)
• are taking atazanavir (for HIV infection)
• are taking corticosteroids
• have osteoporosis
• have severe liver problems
• take NSAIDs like ibuprofen regularly

Pantoprazole may interact with other medicines you may be taking. During your online medical consultation, you should inform our doctor of all medicines you are currently taking, including those bought over-the-counter, prescription medication, and health or dietary supplements.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

There is insufficient data to determine the safety of Pantoprazole when used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor to determine whether it is safe for you to take Pantoprazole.

Side effects

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though they do not affect everyone. You should familiarise yourself with the list of possible side effects associated with your medicine, which can be found in the patient information leaflet (PIL) supplied with your medicine.

Common side effects of Pantoprazole may include:

• Benign polyps in the stomach

Uncommon side effects of Pantoprazole may include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Flatulence
• Fracture to the hip, spine or wrist
• General malaise
• Headache
• Itching
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Stomach ache
• Vomiting

Rare side effects of Pantoprazole may include:

• Allergic reaction
• Altered sense of taste
• Breast enlargement in males
• Changes in weight
• Depression
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Swelling of the extremities (peripheral oedema)
• Visual disturbances

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Pantoprazole, including a complete list of side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet (PIL) enclosed with your medicine.

Other safety information

Do not take Pantoprazole past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Always store medicines out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Do not discard medicines via household or water waste. Ask your pharmacy if they are able to safely dispose any unwanted or expired medicine on your behalf. These steps can help protect the environment.

Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they experience the same symptoms as you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to drive and operate heavy machinery while on Pantoprazole?

If you experience any side effects such as visual disturbance or dizziness, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better.

Can I drink alcohol while on Pantoprazole?

It is unlikely that alcohol will interact with Pantoprazole. However, you should limit or avoid drinking alcohol during your treatment.

This is because alcohol consumption could worsen your symptoms.

What is the difference between Pantoprazole and Omeprazole?

While Pantoprazole and Omeprazole belong to the same group, they don't work exactly the same.

If you are unsure which heartburn treatment is suitable for you, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

How long does Pantoprazole take to work?

It may take a couple of days, or as long as up to 4 weeks, before you notice some change in your symptoms. Speak to your doctor if you see no improvement after two weeks of consistently using the medicine, or if your symptoms worsen.

How do I come off Pantoprazole treatment?

With regular check-ups with your doctor, Pantoprazole is safe for long term use. Your doctor will advise you about when to stop taking the medication.