Pantoprazole
Also sold as: Protonix, Controloc
Prescription neededAcidity and ulcers
Comes as:TabletInjection
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 20 to 40 mg once a day before breakfast for 4 to 8 weeks. Swallow the tablet whole. For H. pylori it is combined with antibiotics as prescribed.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- headache
- stomach pain
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- wind
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe or watery diarrhoea that does not stop
- low magnesium with long use (muscle cramps
- irregular heartbeat)
- bone fractures with long use
- severe skin reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Warning signs such as weight loss, trouble swallowing, vomiting blood or black stools — see a doctor first
- Severe liver disease (use with caution)
- Long-term use only if your doctor advises
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Itraconazole
Reduced stomach acid lowers absorption of itraconazole capsules.
- Methotrexate
Can raise methotrexate levels, especially with high doses.
Minor1 medicineUsually not a problem, but tell your doctor.
- Warfarin
INR may change; check it when starting or stopping pantoprazole.