Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects of Protonix.
Chemical Name: PANTOPRAZOLE (pan-TOE-pra-zole)
Protonix 40mg is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Protonix 40mg works by blocking acid production in the stomach. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
SOME MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Protonix 40mg. DO NOT TAKE PROTONIX 40mg if you are taking dasatinib or certain HIV protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir). TELL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: clarithromycin, anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, ampicillins, azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole, voriconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), clopidogrel, mycophenolate, nilotinib, or iron. This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Protonix 40mg may interact with other medicines you take. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including liver problems; stomach or bowel cancer; osteoporosis (weak bones), a family history of osteoporosis, or other risk factors of osteoporosis (eg, smoking, poor nutrition); allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Protonix 40mg.
Follow the directions for using Protonix 40mg provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Protonix 40mg may be taken with antacids if your doctor has instructed you to take antacids. Do not miss any doses. STORE PROTONIX 40mg at room temperature, away from heat and light. FOR BEST RESULTS, continue taking Protonix 40mg for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF PROTONIX 40mg, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT USE PROTONIX 40mg if you are allergic to any ingredient in Protonix 40mg. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. PROTONIX 40mg MAY INTERFERE WITH CERTAIN LAB TESTS. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Protonix 40mg. PROTONIX 40mg MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS OR DIZZINESS. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Protonix 40mg with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR if you have any symptoms of a bleeding ulcer, such as black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or if you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or trouble swallowing. PROTONIX 40mg MAY INCREASE THE RISK of hip, wrist, and spine fractures in patients with weak bones (osteoporosis). The risk may be greater if you use Protonix 40mg in high doses, for longer than a year, or if you are over 50 years old. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Contact your doctor if you have any questions about this information. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR to see whether you should take a calcium and vitamin D supplement while you use Protonix 40mg. Protonix 40mg should be used with caution in ASIAN patients; the risk of side effects may be increased in these patients. Use Protonix 40mg with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially hip, wrist, and spine fractures. PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Protonix 40mg while you are pregnant. Protonix 40mg is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Protonix 40mg.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Protonix 40mg include diarrhea, headache, nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience unusual tiredness. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bone pain; chest pain; dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision changes; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to Protonix 40mg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions for Protonix
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
If you are taking Protonix 40mg 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 PROTONIX 40mg with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE PROTONIX 40mg for other health conditions. KEEP PROTONIX 40mg out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING PROTONIX 40mg FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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