Protonix

Protonix Information

Brand Name: Protonix

Generic Name: Pantoprazole

Other Common Names: Protinix

Protonix (pantoprazole) is used for the short-term (up to 8 weeks) healing of a gradual breakdown (erosion) or sore (ulceration) in the esophagus which may be caused by the backward flow of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD). For people who have not healed after 8 weeks of treatment, an additional 8 week course of Protonix may be considered.

How Does Protonix Work?

Proton pump inhibitors like Protonix work by targeting (H+,K+)-ATPase, an enzyme located on gastric (stomach) parietal cells. Protonix inhibits or blocks (H+,K+)-ATPase by forming a bond to two sites of the enzyme system, and as a result, suppresses the final step in gastric acid production.

Pantoprazole (the active ingredient in Protonix) is a proton pump inhibitor that suppresses the final step in gastric acid production by forming a covalent bond to two sites of the (H+, K+)-ATPase enzyme system at the secretory surface of the gastric parietal cell. This effect is dose-related and leads to the inhibition of both basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion irrespective of the stimulus. The binding to the (H+,K+)-ATPase results in a duration of antisecretory effect that persists longer than 24 hours

Protonix Ingredients and Composition

How To Take Protonix and Protonix Dosage and Administration

The recommended adult oral dose is one Protonix 40 mg Delayed- Release Tablet, taken daily. (See Clinical Studies.)

No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with renal impairment, hepatic impairment, or for elderly patients. No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Protonix Delayed- Release Tablets should be swallowed whole, with or without food in the stomach. If patients are unable to swallow a 40 mg tablet, two 20 mg tablets may be taken. Concomitant administration of antacids does not affect the absorption of Protonix.

If you suspect a Protonix Overdose

The symptoms of acute toxicity were hypoactivity, ataxia, hunched sitting, limb- splay, lateral position, segregation, absence of ear reflex, and tremor.

Protonix Side Effects

Protonix Precautions and Contraindications

Patients should be cautioned that Protonix Delayed- Release Tablets should not be split, crushed or chewed. The tablets should be swallowed whole, with or without food in the stomach. Concomitant administration of antacids does not affect the absorption of pantoprazole.

Review all medications that you are taking with your doctor or health care provider, including those that you take without a prescription. Because Protonix lowers the level of acid in your stomach, Protonix may interfere with the absorption of drugs such as ketoconazole, ampicillin, and iron salts

Tell your doctor or health care provider if you are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Protonix Drug Interactions

Because of profound and long lasting inhibition of gastric acid secretion, it is theoretically possible that pantoprazole may interfere with absorption of drugs where gastric pH is an important determinant of their bioavailability (e. g., ketoconazole, ampicillin esters, and iron salts).

Storing Protonix

Store Protonix Delayed- Release Tablets at 20°C - 25°C (68°F - 77°F)

What is GERD - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

GERD is a chronic condition caused by the reflux (reverse flow) of stomach acid into the esophagus. More than 40% of adults - nearly 60 million Americans - experience symptoms of GERD (typically a burning pain behind the breastbone) two or more times per week. According to an American Gastroenterology Association National survey, nearly 50 million Americans experience nighttime heartburn. If left untreated or uncontrolled, esophageal damage caused by GERD may lead to even more serious complications, including hemorrhage, Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer.

Additional Notes

Pantoprazole is not removed by hemodialysis.