Protonix
® (
pantoprazole sodium) is a medication that is used to treat a number of conditions within the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Who Manufactures Protonix?
It is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
The medication is licensed to treat a number of conditions, which include:
How Does It Work?
Protonix is part of a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It works by decreasing the amount of acid in your stomach by blocking the acid production sites.
The drug reduces the amount of acid in your stomach, which helps
heartburn and other GERD symptoms go away. A decrease in the amount of stomach acid will give the esophagus, the stomach, and the intestines time to heal.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Protonix include the following:
- The medication comes in tablets and in oral granule packets. It is usually taken once or twice a day.
- Protonix tablets can be taken with or without food. Protonix granules should be taken 30 minutes before a meal.
- The tablets should not be split, chewed, or crushed.
- Protonix suspension comes as dry granules in individual packets. The contents of one packet should be sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce or mixed with a teaspoon of apple juice. These mixtures should be taken immediately. If you take it in apple juice, rinse the glass with more apple juice and drink the rinse (to make sure you get the full dose).
- Do not mix the granules in anything other than applesauce or apple juice.
- The granules can also be given through a nasogastric feeding tube (ask your healthcare provider about the best way to do this).
- The medication should be taken at the same time(s) each day, to maintain an even level of Protonix in your system.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage recommended by your healthcare provider will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider to do so.
What Are Some of the Side Effects of Protonix?
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. Not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In most cases, side effects are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
Common side effects of Protonix include (but are not limited to):
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Abdominal pain
- Insomnia
- Rash
- Burping
- High sugar levels in the blood (hyperglycemia)
- Vomiting.
Protonix can potentially interact with a number of medications.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Before taking Protonix, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Have liver disease or liver failure
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have any allergies.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
There have been a limited number of cases of people overdosing on Protonix. Therefore, the overdose symptoms are not well known. If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek medical attention immediately.
Storage Methods for Protonix
It should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. It is important to keep Protonix and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Protonix as scheduled, take your next scheduled dose at its regular time. Never take a double dose!
Protonix comes in a number of strengths, which include:
- Protonix for oral suspension (individual packets of Protonix granules, containing 40 mg of Protonix per package).
Is There a Generic Form of Protonix?
Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of the drug are available for sale.
(Click Generic Protonix for more information.)
