Pantoprazole

Uses
Pantoprazole (Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate) works by stopping gastric acid from being secreted, leading to an overall reduction in stomach acidity. It is a proton pump inhibitor. When administered, this medicine acts on the proton pumps in the parietal cells. As a result of this, the enzyme involved in making stomach acid is inhibited, resulting in the reduction of stomach acid secretion.

It is used to treat the symptoms of ulcers (duodenal and gastric), gastro oesophageal reflux disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a condition caused by excessive gastrin production) and other related conditions. Patients have also been given it to help promote healing in these conditions or to prevent ulcers caused by certain medicines (NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Another use is being given alongside antibiotics to help get rid of helicobacter pylori, so as to treat ulcers associated with it.

Dosage and Administration
Pantoprazole (Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate) is provided as enteric coated tablets containing 40mg of the active ingredient. Your doctor will examine you and decide on the correct dosage, based on the condition being treated and other factors. Adult patients who are being treated for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are sometimes directed to administer 40mg per day. If you are affected by duodenal ulcers, your doctor may direct you to administer 40mg per day. The ulcer normally heals after 2 weeks, however, if it persists beyond this, your doctor may recommend another 2 weeks. In all cases, you must only take the amount of medicine that your doctor tells you to take.

Side effects
If you are taking Pantoprazole (Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate) there is a possibility that side effects may occur, such as:

• Diarrhoea
• Sore joints
• Pain in the stomach
• Changes in body weight
• Difficulty sleeping properly

You must notify your doctor if any reactions are experienced during treatment. Serious side effects will need treatment as soon as possible. Examples include bloody diarrhoea, hallucinations, muscle spasms, fever, diarrhoea which is severe in nature and other reactions which have not been listed here.

Precautions
Treatment with this medicine on a long term basis may result in a vitamin deficiency. Discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.

This medicine could possibly put the patient at increased risk of broken bones. Those affected by certain medical conditions may be more at risk of this than others.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Pantoprazole (Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.