Pantoloc

Common Name: pantoprazole sodium

How does Pantoloc work?

Pantoprazole belongs to the family of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It slows or prevents the production of acid within the stomach. It is used for the treatment of conditions where reduction in acid secretion is required for proper healing, including stomach and intestinal ulcers (gastric and duodenal ulcers), heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is also used in combination with antibiotics for the treatment and eradication of H. pylori bacteria (the cause of most duodenal ulcers). Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Pantoloc?

The usual adult dosage of pantoprazole tablets is 40 mg once daily in the morning. Do not chew or crush the tablets, and take them with water in the morning either before, during, or after breakfast. The duration of treatment depends on the condition being treated. When used in combination with antibiotics for the eradication of H. pylori bacteria, the usual dose of pantoprazole is 40 mg taken along with the two antibiotics (usually clarithromycin plus either amoxicillin or metronidazole) twice daily. The usual duration of this treatment is one week. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken regularly and exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without first talking with your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is within eight hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does Pantoloc come in?

Pantoloc® is available in strengths of 20 mg and 40 mg. 20 mg: Each enteric-coated, yellow, oval, tablet, marked "P20" on one side, contains pantoprazole 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: anhydrous sodium carbonate, calcium stearate, crospovidone, ferric oxide, mannitol, methylhydroxypropyl cellulose, poly(ethylacrylate, methacrylic acid), polysorbate 80, polyvidone, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate. 40 mg: Each enteric-coated, yellow, oval, tablet, marked "P40" on one side, contains: pantoprazole 40 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: anhydrous sodium carbonate, calcium stearate, crospovidone, ferric oxide, mannitol, methylhydroxypropyl cellulose, poly(ethylacrylate, methacrylic acid), polysorbate 80, polyvidone, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate.

What should I NOT take with Pantoloc?

Pantoprazole sodium should not be taken by anyone with an allergy to pantoprazole or to any of ithe ingredients of the medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Pantoloc?

Liver disease: Pantoprazole should not be taken by those with mildly to moderately reduced liver function unless the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks. Severe stomach problems: If you have recurrent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, blood in the stool, significant unintentional weight loss or are coughing up blood, or check with your doctor right away. Pregnancy: There are no adequate studies on the use of this medication by pregnant women. It should not be taken during pregnancy unless the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether pantoprazole passes into breast milk. It should not be taken by nursing mothers unless the benefits to the mother are expected to outweigh the potential risk to the infant. Talk to your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Children: The safety and effectiveness of pantoprazole has not yet been established for use by children.