Protonix (Pantoprazole)

Protonix is used to treat erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excess stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Use Protonix as directed by your doctor.

• Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
• Take Protonix with a full glass of water.
• Protonix can be taken with or without food.
• Do not crush, chew, or break an enteric-coated tablet. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating.

Protonix is in a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

If you miss a dose of Protonix, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Protonix at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Protonix out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do not use Protonix if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Protonix.

• Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Protonix. Using Protonix alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Protonix may affect the results of certain lab tests (eg, false positive urine screen for THC/marijuana). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Protonix.
• Lab tests, such as liver function, may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Protonix is not recommended for use in childen; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Protonix during pregnancy. It is unknown if Protonix is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Protonix, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; indigestion; nausea; pain and swelling at the injection site; runny nose; sleeplessness; stomach pain.

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain.

Protonix is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If you have any questions about Protonix, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.