Pantoprazole is a medicine indicated for the treatment of some stomach problems that depend on the production of acid, such as gastritis, inflammation in the intestine or gastroesophageal reflux, for example, as it works by reducing the production of acid that irritates the lining of the stomach or intestine. .
This medicine can be found in pharmacies or drugstores, in its generic form under the name “pantoprazole sodium sesquihydrate”, or under the trade names Pantozol, Pantocal, Gázia or Adipept, for example. Furthermore, this medicine can also be found as “pantoprazole magnesium dihydrate”, with the trade names Divena, Restitue or Tecta, having a longer duration of action than sodium pantoprazole sesquihydrate.
Pantoprazole must be used under medical advice, according to the condition being treated and can be used by adults or children over 5 years of age, for up to 8 weeks of treatment.
What is it for
Pantoprazole is indicated for:
- Gastritis;
- Gastroduodenites;
- Gastroesophageal reflux without esophagitis;
- Pain or discomfort in the stomach caused by ulcers;
- Mild esophagitis;
- Stomach or intestine ulcer;
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Pantoprazole works by reducing the production of acid in the stomach by inhibiting the proton pump present in the cells of the stomach wall. In this way, this medicine allows the stomach and intestine to heal. Therefore, it can also be used to prevent injuries to the lining of the stomach and the beginning of the intestine caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Furthermore, when associated with antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, amoxicillin or metronidazole, pantoprazole may be indicated to eradicate the bacteria. H. pylori and stomach ulcer.
Pantoprazole should only be used with medical advice, and treatment is generally carried out for up to 8 weeks.
Is pantoprazole the same as omeprazole?
Pantoprazole is a medicine similar to omeprazole, as it acts in the same way by reducing stomach acidity. However, the doses are different and may have different effectiveness depending on the condition being treated.
Therefore, these remedies should only be used with medical indication and guidance, according to the characteristics of each person and the disease to be treated.
How to use
Pantoprazole should be used orally, with a glass of water. The tablet must be ingested whole, without breaking or chewing.
How pantoprazole is used depends on the presentation and includes:
1. Pantoprazole 20 mg
The normally recommended dose of pantoprazole 20 mg for adults is 1 coated tablet, once a day, before, during or after breakfast, for 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, according to medical advice.
For children over 5 years of age, pantoprazole doses should be calculated by the pediatrician according to body weight.
2. Pantoprazole 40 mg
The normally recommended dose of pantoprazole 40 mg for adults is 1 coated tablet, once a day, before, during or after breakfast, for up to 8 weeks of treatment according to medical advice.
For the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the recommended dose is 80 mg per day, which can be increased or decreased by the doctor according to the response to treatment.
In the case of treatment of stomach or intestinal ulcers caused by H. pyloripantoprazole associated with antibiotics should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, and the normally recommended dose is 1 tablet of 40 mg, twice a day and the treatment time is generally 7 days, which can be extended for up to 14 days.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with pantoprazole are headache, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, belly swelling, abdominal pain, constipation, dizziness, allergic skin reactions, weakness or general malaise.
Additionally, increased sensitivity to light, hepatitis, generalized swelling, depression, itching, joint pain, muscle pain, or blurred vision may occur.
Who shouldn’t use
Pantoprazole should not be used by children under 5 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people being treated for HIV or who are allergic to pantoprazole or any other component of the formula.
Furthermore, when associated with antibiotics, pantoprazole should not be used by people who have liver or kidney disease.
