Gastritis is a problem that many people in our country have. You get a burning sensation in your chest, you feel like your stomach is acidic, and you feel like it's coming up into your throat. Pantoprazole is a medicine that your doctor will often prescribe for you at times like this. So today, let's talk about this medicine, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, pantoprazole is a medicine that reduces the amount of acid produced in your stomach. Our stomach produces acid to help digest food. But sometimes this acid produces too much, or it leaks into the esophagus. That's when conditions like heartburn, stomach ulcers, and reflux disease occur.
Pantoprazole belongs to a class of drugs called PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) . These work by reducing the activity of the acid-producing pumps in the stomach. This helps control stomach acid and provides relief.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before giving you this medicine, the doctor will ask you some questions. But if you know about these things, it is very important to tell the doctor.
| Your situation | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have liver disease | People with reduced liver function may need to adjust the dosage of this medication. |
| If you have low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood | Long-term use of this medication may further decrease the levels of these minerals. |
| If you have lupus | Sometimes this medicine can cause lupus symptoms to worsen. |
| If you have an allergy to pantoprazole or any other medicine or food. | It is essential to be aware of this to prevent allergies. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is very important to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, so inform your doctor about this. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The most important thing is to use the medicine exactly as the doctor says.
- This pill should be swallowed whole with a glass of water .
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Doing so may change the way the medicine works.
- Take only the prescribed dose, when prescribed by your doctor. Don't drink more than you need.
- This medicine is usually prescribed for children over 5 years of age, but only in special cases. Therefore, be sure to follow medical advice when giving it to children.
Note: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms you have.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I forget to take my medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other drugs that may interact with pantoprazole
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking, as some medications are incompatible with pantoprazole.
| Do not take pantoprazole with these. | |
|---|---|
| Atazanavir | Nelfinavir |
| There may be interactions with this medication (tell your doctor). | |
| Ampicillin | Warfarin |
| Methotrexate | Iron salts |
| Antifungals (e.g. Ketoconazole) | Mycophenolate mofetil |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- If symptoms do not improve: If your stomach pain or chest pain does not improve after a few days of starting the medication, or if it seems to be getting worse, talk to your doctor again.
- Diarrhea: If your diarrhea is severe and lasts more than two days, see a doctor instead of taking over-the-counter medication.
- Long-term use:
- Weakening of bones: Using this medicine for many years can cause your bones to become a little weaker. This means your risk of breaking a bone may increase slightly. Talk to your doctor about your bone health.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: This medication may reduce the body's absorption of vitamin B12. Therefore, it is a good idea to discuss your diet and the types of vitamins you are taking with your doctor.
- Stomach polyps: When taking the drug for a long time, small growths (polyps) can form in the stomach. These are usually not cancerous and rarely cause symptoms. However, if you have pain when touching your stomach, nausea, blood in your stool, or black stool, see a doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, pantoprazole can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Effects on the kidneys | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Decreased magnesium levels | Muscle pain or twitching, unusual weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Decreased vitamin B12 levels | Pain in the limbs, numbness, muscle weakness, dizziness, confusion. |
| Severe skin symptoms | Redness, blistering, peeling skin (even inside the mouth), and a rash that worsens on the cheeks or hands when exposed to the sun. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Diarrhea | Headache |
| Vomiting | |
Take-Home Message
- Pantoprazole is a medicine that reduces the acid in your stomach. Always use it exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
- Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions or kidney damage, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you are using this medication long-term, discuss bone health and vitamin B12 levels with your doctor.
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