NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL) Laryngitis, stress-related mucosal disease, prevention of recurrence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcers; maintenance treatment of healed duodenal ulcers, part of H. pylori treatment regimen, treatment of gastric ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis
BRAND NAME Protonix, Protonix IV
DRUG CLASS
Gastrointestinal (proton pump inhibitor)
DESCRIPTION
This drug decreases gastric acid secretion by blocking the final step in gastric acid production.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal dreams.
CAUTIONS
Dosage reductions may be required if you have severe liver dysfunction.
Inform your doctor if you have allergies to any drugs in this class.
Long-term treatment has resulted in atrophic gastritis.
Absorption may be increased in the elderly.
Relief of symptoms with use of this drug does not exclude gastric cancer.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
This drug affects other drugs metabolized by a specific set of liver enzymes, and thus may increase or decrease the clearance of these drugs from the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or decreasing effectiveness.
When these drugs are given in combination with pantoprazole, dosage adjustments may be needed. As these are too numerousto list, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to starting a new medication, herbal, or nonprescription product.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Avoid alcohol.
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
St. John’s wort, ginkgo biloba
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category B. Excreted in breast milk. Therapy not recommended during breast-feeding.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Antacids may be taken during therapy with this drug.
