Pantoprazole

What are Pantoprazole tablets?
Pantoprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s). Proton pump inhibitors work by preventing proton pumps responsible for producing stomach acid, from working at their full capacity. As a result, the production of stomach acid is reduced, and symptoms related to acid reflux are relieved.

Pantoprazole tablets are available in various doses ranging from 20mg to 40mg. Pantoprazole 40mg tablets are typically the strongest dose available.

What are Pantoprazole tablets used to treat?
Pantoprazole is generally used to treat heartburn and acid reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

You can also use this medicine to treat and prevent stomach ulcers.

Why is Pantoprazole recommended for treating acid reflux?
Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor, of which have been widely used to treat acid reflux since 1989.

Studies have shown pantoprazole to be effective at treating acid reflux as well as causing very few side effects. Another benefit for individuals that may be using other medicines for unrelated conditions is that propranolol has a very low drug interaction profile, meaning that it does not interact and cause many adverse effects when taken at the same time as other treatments.

Overall, the effectiveness of pantoprazole has been found to be similar to other commonly used PPI’s such as Omeprazole and Lansoprazole.

How does Pantoprazole work?
Stomach acid is a natural and valuable substance needed to ensure orderly digestion. However excessive stomach acid can cause pain and inflammation of the oesophagus causing several uncomfortable symptoms which is often referred to as Acid Reflux/heartburn/indigestion.

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPIs), which work by reducing the amount of acid the stomach creates. It does this by stopping the cells in the lining of the stomach from producing too much acid and in doing so, can help to alleviate some of the symptoms caused by excessive stomach acid.

Pantoprazole 20mg and 40mg tablets are both effective treatments to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux and will typically get to work within just 1 hour.

Who can take Pantoprazole 20mg tablets?
This medication may not be suitable for everyone. Pantoprazole 20mg can be taken by adults and children who are over 12 years of age.

You should inform your doctor if you suffer from any of these conditions:

You have liver problems
You have had an allergic reaction to Pantoprazole or any other medicines in the past
You are scheduled to have an endoscopy
If you are due an endoscopy, your doctor may tell you to stop taking the medication a few weeks before you have it.

Can I buy Pantoprazole 20mg/40mg tablets online in the UK?
You can buy Pantoprazole 20mg and 40mg tablets online in the UK from most online pharmacies online. If you wish to buy Pantoprazole 20mg or 40mg tablets online, you will be required to complete an online consultation

Pantoprazole 20mg and 40mg Indications and Dose
All of our doctors and pharmacists follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Pantoprazole. Always take Pantoprazole exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Pantoprazole 20mg and 40mg tablets
Condition Pantoprazole dosage
Stomach Ulcers 20mg to 40mg daily
Acid Reflux/Heartburn 20mg daily
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome initially 40mg to 80mg daily
How to take Pantoprazole tablets
How you should take pantoprazole largely depends on your diagnosis. Typically, pantoprazole should be taken 30-60 minutes before meals. It is best to take pantoprazole in the morning before breakfast. The tablets should be swallowed as a whole, with water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.

Pantoprazole Side Effects
Pantoprazole is generally considered to be a safe medication, and most people who use this medicine will not experience any side effects.

If you do experience an undesirable reaction to Pantoprazole, it will usually be mild and go away once you complete your course of the medication.

Common side effects of Pantoprazole
Constipation
Wind or stomach pain
Feeling sick or being sick
Diarrhoea
Headaches.
If you have any concerns, you should always seek medical attention. For more information on severe side effects please refer to our side effects tab, alternatively we recommend reading the patient information leaflet that is present inside of your box of medicine.

You should call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

Swelling of the mouth, lips, face, tongue or throat
A skin rash that is red, itchy, swollen, blistering or peeling
You have tightness in the chest or throat
You are wheezing
You are finding it difficult to breathe or to speak
Pantoprazole Warnings and Drug Interactions
Pantoprazole is a very commonly prescribed drug to help treat a number of conditions, but it may interact with other medication you are currently taking; this may make you more susceptible to side effects.

In the case of Pantoprazole, you should inform your doctor if you are already taking any of the below medicines:

The antibiotic rifampicin
HIV medicines
Blood thinners such as warfarin
Methotrexate
Digoxin
Any antifungal medicines
Do not take St John’s Wort, a herbal remedy used in cases of depression, while you are using Pantoprazole as this can stop it from working effectively.
Please note, before you start taking a new prescribed drug, you should always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are currently taking any other prescription or non-prescription medication. You should also inform them of any herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements you might be using at the time.

For more information on Pantoprazole Drug Interactions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pantoprazole along with most Proton Pump Inhibitors are not teratogenic in humans, meaning that use of pantoprazole during pregnancy is unlikely to disturn the development of the embryo or fetus.

Pantoprazole is considered safe to use while breastfeeding as only a small amount of this medicine will go into the breast milk.

However, if your baby is born premature or with any health problems, you should check with your doctor before taking this medicine for stomach acid or any other ailments.

Can I drink alcohol whilst taking Pantoprazole?
Alcohol will not interfere with how Pantoprazole tablets work, but it should be noted that alcohol does have the effect of producing more stomach acid, which can irritate the lining of your stomach and make your acid reflux symptoms worse.

In summary, drinking alcohol with pantoprazole may cause your acid reflux symptoms to worsen.

Pantoprazole Ingredients
The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Pantoprazole sodium sesquihydrate

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics

How much does Pantoprazole cost to buy in the UK?
Dosage Quantity Price (starting from)
Pantoprazole 20mg tablets 14 tablets £11.99
Pantoprazole 40mg tablets 14 tablets £13.99
Pantoprazole FAQ’s
Is pantoprazole available to buy over the counter?
This medicine is a prescription only drug, it is not available to buy over the counter (OTC).

How long should you take pantoprazole for?
The usual course of treatment for Pantoprazole is two weeks. If your symptoms do not improve after that time, you may be instructed to continue taking it for another two weeks. You should not use this medicine for longer than two weeks without consulting your doctor.
What are the alternatives to Pantoprazole?
Other proton pump inhibitors such as Omeprazole and Lansoprazole are recommended alternatives to Pantoprazole and treat acid reflux symptoms in a very similar way.
How much is Pantoprazole?
Prices start from £11.99 for just 14 tablets.
What is the different between Pantoprazole and Omeprazole
Pantoprazole and Omeprazole are two of the most common medications used to treat acid reflux in the UK. Both medicines work in a very similar way, each containing very similar ingredients. Both medications also work to suppress the amount of acid that the stomach produces and, as a result, reduce the signs of painful symptoms related to an excess of acid in the stomach.
When should you take Pantoprazole?
It is recommended to take pantoprazole 30 minutes before a meal, preferably breakfast. Taking pantoprazole on an empty stomach will ensure the medicine is fully absorbed into your system quickly.
How long does Pantoprazole take to work?
Pantoprazole will begin to work within 1 hour, with its full effects being felt after 2 hours. It may take 2-3 days to completely ease your symptoms.