Protonix

Generic equivalents for Protonix...

We also carry these generic equivalents of Protonix to help save you money.

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Protonix Prescription Drug Information

Pantoprazole (By mouth)
Pantoprazole (pan-TOE-pra-zole)

Treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in people who have had damage to the lining of the esophagus. Also treats high levels of acid in the stomach that is caused by a tumor (such as in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). Protonix is a proton pump inhibitor.

Brand Name(s):Protonix, Protonix TR
There may be other brand names for Protonix.

When Protonix Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Protonix if you have had an allergic reaction to pantoprazole.

How to Use Protonix:
Packet, Delayed Release Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of Protonix to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Swallow the delayed-release tablet whole. Do not split, crush, or chew it. You may take the tablet with or without food. It may also be taken at the same time with antacids.
• The delayed-release oral suspension granules should only be mixed with applesauce or apple juice. Do not mix the granules with water, other liquids, or food. Do not chew or crush the granules. Take the mixture at least 30 minutes before a meal. If you have a nasogastric feeding tube, make sure the tube is not clogged before you put Protonix in the tube with apple juice.

If a dose of Protonix is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of Protonix:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Protonix:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using ampicillin (Omnipen®, Polycillin®, Principen®, Totacillin®), atazanavir (Reyataz®), iron supplements (Feosol®, Fer-In-Sol®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), or warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using Protonix:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have bone problems (such as osteoporosis).
• Protonix may increase your risk of having fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine. This is more likely if you are 50 years of age and older, if you receive high doses of Protonix, or use it for one year or more.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Protonix. Protonix may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• If you will be taking Protonix for a long time, it may make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B-12. Tell your doctor if you have concerns about vitamin B-12 deficiency.
• Do not stop using Protonix suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Protonix. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using Protonix:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Increase in how much or how often you urinate.
• Increased hunger or thirst.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Protonix, talk with your doctor:

• Bloating and gas.
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
• Headache.
• Skin rash.
• Trouble with sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Protonix, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088