Pantoprazole sodium is an active ingredient of Protonix, which belongs to a group of drugs known as Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) acts on acid by reducing the amount of it in stomach by inhibiting the acid production. It is indicated for the treatment of various conditions with esophagus, stomach and intestines. Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) is supplied as tablets and granules as delayed release tablets and delayed release oral suspension respectively. Delayed release tablet comes in Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) 20mg and 40mg where as delayed release oral suspension comes only in Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) 40mg.
Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) is used to treat Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis and pathological hypersecretory diseases.

For the patients with Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and those who are undergoing the healing process of erosive esophagitis, the recommended dose is Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) 40mg, once daily for 8 weeks. Depending on the condition and efficacy of the treatment the physician may extend the recommended dosage for another 8 weeks.
For the patients with pathological hypersecretory diseases which means excess acid production, the recommended dose is Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) 40mg, twice daily. Depending on the condition, efficacy of the treatment and the side effects, the physician may increase or decrease the dosage.

The most frequent and common Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) side effects reported as drug related short term trials are headache, nausea, diarrhea, flatulence, insomnia, abdominal pain, rash, eructation and hyperglycemia.
Other most frequent common side effects indicated as drug related long term trials are
headache, abdominal pain, liver function tests abnormal, nausea and vomiting.
Other possible side effects are anxiety, asthenia, bronchitis, chest pain, constipation, increased cough, dizziness, dyspepsia, flu syndrome, dyspnea, gastrointestinal disorder, hyperlipemia, hypertonia, neck pain, migraine, hyperlipidemia, urinary tract infection, respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, rhinitis, rectal disorder and sinusitis.
Rare side effects are thrombosis, cyncope, angina pectoris, angioedema, fever, allergic reaction, chills, swelling of face, malaise, arrhythmia, hypertension, congestive heart failure, dry mouth, hepatitis, anemia, depression, vertigo, tinnitus, impotence, hypotension, hernia and heat stroke.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

If you are taking this medicine for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) delayed release tablets and delayed release oral suspension is used for the short term treatment in the healing and symptomatic relief of erosive esophagitis. It is indicated for the maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis and reduction in relapse rates of daytime and nighttime heartburn symptoms in patients with Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is also indicated for the long term treatment of pathological hpersecretory conditions.

This medicine may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Store Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) delayed release tablets and delayed release oral suspension at a temperature between 20°-25°C (68°-77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Effectiveness and safety in pediatric patients is not yet established. So precaution should be taken in case of pediatric patient.
Patients taking B-12 vitamins should consult the physician because Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) may interfere with the absorption of B-12 vitamin which may result in B-12 vitamin deficiency in the body.
Patients allergic to Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) or allergic to any components of it, may consult the physician before administering the medication.
Physician should be consulted if the pregnant women or nursing mothers are to take this drug.