pantoprazole delayed-release - oral, Protonix

Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures Heartburn Slideshow Pictures Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) Slideshow Pictures

GENERIC NAME: PANTOPRAZOLE DELAYED-RELEASE - ORAL (pan-TOE-pruh-zole)

BRAND NAME(S): Protonix

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Pantoprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It is used to treat acid-related stomach and throat (esophagus) problems such as acid reflux (GERD), erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Decreasing extra stomach acid can help relieve symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, and trouble sleeping. It can also prevent serious acid damage to your digestive system (e.g., ulcers, cancer of the esophagus).OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. In addition, it may be used with antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers caused by bacteria.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the medication whole. Do not split, crush, or chew the medication. Doing so may destroy the drug and prevent it from treating your condition. If you are using the tablets, you may take them with or without food. If you are using the granules, take them 30 minutes before a meal.Mix the granules into apple juice or applesauce. Do not use other liquids or foods to mix this medication. Sprinkle the granules on 1 teaspoon of applesauce and swallow all of the mixture immediately (within 10 minutes). Or mix the granules into 1 teaspoon of apple juice, stir for 5 seconds, and swallow all of the mixture immediately. Rinse the container once or twice with apple juice to remove any remaining granules, and swallow the rinsing juice immediately. Do not crush or chew the granules in either mixture. Do not prepare a supply in advance.The granules may also be given through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric or gastric tube). If you are giving this medication through a tube, consult your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to properly mix and give it.You may take an antacid with this medication, if needed.The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Continue to take this medication for the whole time prescribed by your doctor, even if you are feeling better.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.