PROTONIX (PANTOPRAZOLE)

Protonix Description

Most people look forward to sitting around their dinner table enjoying their favorite foods, unless you experience heartburn frequently. Instead of reaching for dessert, you are reaching for your antacids. It may not be just heartburn but a bigger problem called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). And for this, you can reach for Protonix to help reduce acid production in your stomach and treat the damage that can occur to your esophagus. You will not have immediate relief from the burning sensation from the stomach acid rising in your esophagus, but when taken regularly as recommended by your doctor, heartburn can be avoided.

Enjoy Heartburn and GERD Relief

Protonix or generic Pantoprazole is called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which is referring to the molecule in certain cells of your stomach known as a proton pump. Its job is to remove a non-acidic potassium ion in your stomach and put it in an acidic hydrogen ion, and the more it does this, the more acidic the contents of your stomach are. When you take Protonix, the actions of the proton pump are reduced and acid secretion into your stomach is prevented. What a relief! The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Protonix

Normally, what you eat passes into your stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter closes to stop food and stomach acid from flowing back up where the acid can burn and cause damage to the tissues of your esophagus. For some individuals, the sphincter may be weak and does not close tight so your stomach contents are allowed to escape back into your esophagus, this is called refluxing.

Some of you with GERD may develop a cough or wheeze, have damaged tooth enamel, and sound hoarse from inflamed vocal chords. For those that have the rare condition known as Zollinger-Ellis Syndrome (ZES), Protonix can help with providing some stomach relief from the ulcers that are associated with this disease.

Before Protonix is Prescribed

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast feeding, ask your doctor about any risks with taking Protonix. Tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any OTC or Rx drugs you take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements to determine if Protonix is safe for to take.

Protonix Precautions

Protonix takes a day or two before you notice its full effects so do not increase your dosage thinking it is not working very well. If your doctor has recommended you take Protonix long-term, you are at a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency so you may be asked to have your blood tested to monitor for this. Keep Protonix and other medications out of children’s reach and never share these with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Protonix

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Gas or bloating
• Nasal congestion