Generic Protonix

Indications for Generic Protonix

Protonix or pantoprazole sodium is a medication which belongs to the group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It works through blocking the excessive production of stomach acid.

Protonix is essentially prescribed for the treatment and prevention of a condition caused by GERD called erosive esophagitis or the severe inflammation of the esophagus or the passage leading to the stomach.

Protonix can also be used for the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other conditions as determined by your physician.

Important Information about Generic Protonix

You should not take Protonix if you have an allergy to pantoprazole sodium or to similar medications.

Make sure that you would be informing your doctor if you are also taking other medications especially if you are taking ampicillin, iron supplements, warfarin or ketoconazole to make sure that they would not be interacting with Protonix. Also inform your doctor if you are taking other non-prescription medications such as vitamins, minerals and other supplements.

Protonix belongs to the FDA pregnancy category B which means that it is not expected to harm a developing baby. However, it would still be advisable to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant during treatment or are nursing a baby.

If you have any special medical conditions such as liver disease, diabetes or heart disease, let your doctor know. If you have any of these or other medical conditions, you may be advised to take a lower dose of the medication.

The effectiveness and safety of Protonix in children have not been studied adequately. Do not administer to a child younger than 18 years of age without the advice of a physician.

Dosage and Administration of Generic Protonix

You should only take Protonix or pantoprazole sodium as it has been prescribed for you by your physician. Never take a larger dose than what has been recommended for you.

Protonix could be taken with or without meals.

If you are taking the delayed-release tablets, make sure that you would not be crushing, breaking or chewing them. Doing this could release too much of the drug at once, possibly causing side effects.

If you miss a dose, make sure that you would be taking it as you remember but if the next dose is almost up, you could just skip the dose that you have missed and then take the next scheduled one. Do not take two doses together.

If you overdose on Protonix, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

Possible Side Effects of Generic Protonix

Protonix or pantoprazole sodium may cause some side effects like abdominal pain, diarrhea, burping, headache, gas, nausea, insomnia, vomiting and rash. These are temporary side effects and they should go away eventually; however, if they do not or if they become worse, contact your doctor.

Protonix has also been known to cause some extremely rare side effects such as severe allergic reactions, eye damage, difficulty in breathing, severe swelling of the throat and face, inflammation of the pancreas and dangerous skin reactions. If you start experiencing any of these, seek emergency medical help right away.