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The Effects of Pantoprazole

Pantoprazole sodium is a medication used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other disorders related to stomach acid. Pantoprazole is classified as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and is available as the brand Protonix, manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Pantoprazole blocks the enzyme in the stomach wall that produces acid.

  1. Function

    • In heartburn and GERD, stomach acid washes up into the throat because a muscle at the end of the esophagus does not close properly. Taking pantoprazole allows any acid-caused damage in the esophagus to heal. Additionally, people with stomach or intestinal ulcers benefit from taking pantoprazole because decreased stomach acid permits those ulcers to heal. The medication is also beneficial for treating conditions which cause too much production of stomach acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

    Forms

    • Protonix is available in delayed-release tablets and as an intravenous (IV) solution. The IV form is designed for short-term treatment of 7 to 10 days for people who cannot take the medicine orally. The tablets should not be crushed or chewed, because the delayed release allows the medicine to be absorbed by the small intestine, which ensures maximum benefit.

    Most Likely Side Effects

    • Protonix side effects are uncommon, and patients typically experience more side effects when using the injectable solution. Gastrointestinal effects include abdominal pain, burping, constipation or diarrhea, gas, indigestion, nausea and vomiting. Other possible side effects include anxiety, back or joint pain, coughing, dizziness, fatigue, headache and insomnia.

    Serious Side Effects

    • More serious but uncommon side effects call for medical attention, and a person experiencing these effects may not be able to use pantoprazole. These include bronchitis, elevated liver enzymes and high blood sugar. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, also can occur and may become chronic. Pantoprazole may decrease the absorption of the drug ketoconazole and increase the absorption of the drug digoxin.

    Warning

    • Rarely, patients taking pantoprazole have experienced a severe allergic reaction causing a blistering rash and peeling skin. An allergic reaction also can cause difficulty breathing and swallowing, or facial and throat swelling.

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