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Protonix
Protonix is a medication that is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, and pathological hypersecretory diseases. Belonging to class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the medication reduces the amount of acid in your stomach by blocking acid production sites. Common side effects associated with Protonix may include headache, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
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:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Erosive esophagitis
- Pathological hypersecretory diseases (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
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.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD