Pantocid (Pantoprazole): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Pantoprazole is in a class of medications known as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs).It is marketed under the brand name Protonix, Pantocid and other.

It is prescription drug used as a short-term treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heart burn,  and acid reflux.

Pantocid is manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd.

Pantocid Uses

It is used in the treatment and prevention of various medical conditions such

  • Gastooesophageal Reflux disease.
  • Gastric ulcers
  • Gastrin secreting tumour
  • Benign gastric ulcer
  • Small intestine ulcer
  • Gastric ulcerative
  • Heart Burn
  • Acid reflux.
  • Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
  • H. Pylori infection.

Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason. Ask your GP if you have any questions about why Pantoprazole has been prescribed for you.

Pantocid Side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with pantoprazole (Pantocid)  include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Headache
  • Gas
  • Joint pain
  • Dizziness

Serious side effects

Serious side effects can include the following:

  • Low magnesium levels. Using this drug for three months or longer can cause low magnesium levels.
  • Vitamin B-12 deficiency from long term use.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Bone fractures
  • Kidney damage.
  • Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • Fundic gland polyps (don’t usually cause symptoms)

Other reported side effects include:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Liver damage
  • Reduced levels of blood cells
  • Muscle breakdown.

Interaction with Medicine

Severe interactions occur with

  • Methotrexate
  • Nelfinavir

While moderate interaction with

  • Warfarin
  • Digoxin
  • Reduce blood levels of atazanavir or nelfinavir, reducing their effect.

Precautions

  • Do not take it if you are allergic to any medicines containing pantoprazole or any of the ingredients in this formulation.
  • Do not use it in combination with antibiotics or other medicines if you are allergic to any of the antibiotics.
  • Do not use it if you have severe liver disease or cirrhosis.
  • Do not use it in combination with atazanavir.
  • It should not be given to children.
  • Do not take this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton (EXP), or if the packaging is torn or showing signs of tampering.
  • Don’t take If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor.
  • Tell your doctor if you want to breastfeed or breastfeed.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have had other illnesses.

Mechanism

Pantoprazole, like other proton pump inhibitors, blocks the enzyme that produces acid in the stomach. Blocking the enzyme reduces acid production, healing the stomach and esophagus.

Dose of Pantocid

It is common to take pantoprazole 40 mg once a day, in the morning.

If you are taking pantoprazole twice a day, take 1 dose in the morning and 1 dose in the evening.

Usual adult recommended dose for GERD and healing erosive esophagitis is 40 mg daily for 4-8 weeks.

The usual recommended dose for treating Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is 40 mg twice daily.

It is generally recommended to take the tablets about 30 minutes before meals for maximum effectiveness. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, split or chewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What is Pantocid 40 mg used to treat?

It is the brand name for Pantoprazole. It is used in the treatment and prevention of various medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heart burn,  and acid reflux.

2. What are the side effect of Pantocid?

Common side effects may include: dizziness; stomach pain, headache, gas, nausea, joint pain; vomiting, diarrhea. For complete list of side effects check above uses.

3. What is the best time of day to take Pantocid?

It generally is recommended that Pantocid tablets be taken approximately 30 minutes prior to meals for maximal effectiveness.

4. Can you take 2 Pantocid a day?

It recommended to take pantoprazole once a day, in the morning. However your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your medical condition.

5. How Pantocid Works?

Pantocid contain pantoprazole which belongs to a group of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors. It blocks the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. By blocking the enzyme, the production of acid is decreased, and this allows the stomach and esophagus to heal.

6. Can Pantocid be used as a painkiller?

No it is a proton pump inhibitor and should not be used as a painkiller.

7. Can Pantocid Tablet used over a long period of time?

No, This medicine cannot be taken over a long period of time unless prescribed by a doctor. Long term use can cause bone fractures and low magnesium levels.

8. Does Pantocid cause gas?

Yes, some of the side effects of using Pantocid tablet include gas or flatulence, bloating, and abdominal distension.

9. Can Pantocid cause diarrhoea?

Yes, the most common side effects associated with the use of this medicine is diarrhoea. consult your physician if these symptoms persist.

10. Does it have an expiry date?

Like any other medication it has an expiry date. Always check the expiry date on the packet before purchasing it.

11. Is it Safe with alcohol?

Interaction with alcohol is not known. It is recommended to consult your doctor before consumption.
12. Is Pantocid habit forming?

No habit-forming tendencies were reported.

13. Is Pantocid safe to take if I’m pregnant ?

It is not generally recommended during pregnancy.

14. Is it safe to take it while i am breastfeeding?

Pantoprazole has not been studied in females who are nursing.

15. Can i take Pantocid for long term?
Long-term use of pantoprazole may make it difficult for your body to absorb vitamin B-12, which could result in a B-12 deficiency.
16. What if i Missed a Dose of Pantocid?

If you miss a dose of pantocid, take it as soon as you remember. You should skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.

17. What happens if i overdose Pantocid Tablet?

Seek emergency medical treatment or contact your doctor in case of an overdose. But in case of suspicion of overdose, the doctor will start emergency treatment.

18. How long should Pantocid take?

Your doctor will tell you how long the tablets should be taken.

19. How to store it? 

Store the tablet at room temperature between 15 and 30 ° C and protected from moisture. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

20. Can Pantocid be taken on an empty stomach?

Pantocid 40 mg tablet is a prescription drug and is more effective if taken 30 minutes before meals.

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1 thought on “Pantocid (Pantoprazole): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage”

  1. Dr Reddy

    Nice information
    It can be given as 20mg twice daily plz??

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