What is pantoprazole and what is it for?

What is pantoprazole?

Pantoprazole is an antiulcer drug, proton pump inhibitor, that is, it is responsible for inhibiting the production of acid secretions generated by gastric parietal cells.

It is marketed in delayed-release tablets of 20 mg, although, there are also presentations of 40 mg orally and intravenously, which should usually be ingested 1 time a day, however, when the conditions are more severe, it is advisable to supply 30 minutes before each meal.

To highlight: The dosage in children should be calculated by a doctor or pharmacist, since it will depend on the weight and age of the patient and the symptoms that he presents, taking into account that they should not exceed 40 mg daily in children, nor administer this medicine for more than 8 continuous weeks. (1)

What is pantoprazole for?

This medication is usually used for reflux esophagitis, as well as stomach pain and other diseases of the digestive system.

Here are some of the most common diseases treated with a pantoprazole-based treatment:

1. Gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach bile irritates the lining of the esophagus, thus causing stomach and chest pain. For its part,the administration of pantoprazole can reduce acidity in patients who present these symptoms after having consumed spicy foods, citrus fruits, among others.

Important: The dose of pantoprazole in children under 5 years of age must be indicated strictly under medical supervision in case of reflux or heartburn.

2. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Adults, in general, who usually suffer from the pituitary and parathyroid glands, usually present Zollinger-Ellison syndrome since it is a disease that occurs when there is an Imbalance of gastrin in the blood and tumors form in the upper part of the small intestine and/or pancreas.

3. Helicobacter pylori infection

This bacterium usually causes intense stomach pain and irritation of the gastric mucosa,which increases the risk of ulcers and stomach cancer. For its part, pantoprazole is used as a treatment to reduce the acidity generated by the bacteria and relieve the pain generated by it.(two)

Pantoprazole Side Effects

Adverse reactions can affect between 1% and 5% of the population that consumes pantoprazole in the long term (3) Some of the side effects described below usually occur if the recommended daily dose of the medication is exceeded:

• Low magnesium levels.
• Headache.
• Allergic reaction to pantoprazole.
• Muscle spasms (from low magnesium level)
• Constipation.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Important: Tell your doctor immediately if you are allergic to this component before it is supplied.

Pantoprazole Contraindications

There are certain conditions and situations that limit the use of this medication , therefore pantoprazole should be avoided in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to pantoprazole or other proton pump inhibitor drugs.
• Combination drugs to treat HIV.
• Pregnant or lactating women.
• It should not be taken if the person consumes multivitamins that contain vitamin B12.

Important: Call your doctor if you take pantoprazole within the above standards.

Key Findings

• Pantoprazole is a medication used to reduce the effect of gastric acidson the gastrointestinal mucosa.
• It is administered to combat Helicobacter pylori infection infection , gastroesophageal reflux, among other gastric diseases.
• Its side effects are long-term, generally such as headaches, vitamin, iron and calcium deficiency .
• The administration of pantoprazole should be avoided in patients with HIV who are being medicated or who are sensitive to said compound, in case it is ingested, it will require Immediate Medical Attention .