What is Pantoprazole: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Store pantoprazole tablets and packets at room temperature.

HOW TO TAKE PANTOPRAZOLE TABLETS 

• Pantoprazole tablets can be taken with or without food.

• You can use antacids when taking pantoprazole tablets.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not split, crush, or chew it.

HOW TO TAKE PANTOPRAZOLE ORAL SUSPENSION 

• Take the oral suspension 30 minutes before a meal.

• Do not crush, split, or chew the granules.

• Mix the granules ONLY in apple juice or applesauce. Do not use any other type of food or liquid.

• Use the entire packet. Do not divide the contents of the packet into smaller doses.

• Sprinkle all the packet contents on one teaspoon of applesauce or pour all the packet contents into a cup containing one teaspoon of apple juice.

• The applesauce mixture can be taken within 10 minutes. Take sips of water while taking the mixture.

• The apple juice mixture should be stirred for 5 seconds and taken immediately. Add more apple juice to the cup, stir, and swallow until all the granules are gone.

HOW TO ADMINISTER PANTOPRAZOLE ORAL SUSPENSION THROUGH A FEEDING TUBE

• The nasogastric or gastrostomy tube must be size 16 French or larger. 

• Remove the plunger from a 2-ounce (60 mL) catheter-tip syringe.

• Pour all the packet contents into the syringe.

• Add 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of apple juice to the syringe and gently tap or shake the barrel of the syringe to help empty it.

• Add 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of apple juice again to the syringe and gently tap or shake it to help empty it.

• Add 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of apple juice a third time to the syringe and gently tap or shake it to empty it. 

• The goal is to make sure there are no more granules left in the syringe.

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use pantoprazole if you have had an allergic reaction to pantoprazole or other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Your doctor may need lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine, particularly if it’s taken continuously for several months. Keep all appointments.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Before taking pantoprazole, tell the prescriber if you have:

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Low levels of magnesium, potassium, or calcium

• Osteoporosis

This medicine may cause the following problems:

• Kidney problems

• Increased risk of bone fractures, particularly in people with osteoporosis

• Lupus or the worsening of lupus

• Growths in the upper portion of the stomach

• Vitamin B12 deficiency

• Low magnesium

Pantoprazole can cause C. difficile diarrhea that can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine. Call your doctor if you develop severe diarrhea, nonstop diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea. Do not take any medicine for diarrhea until you have talked to your healthcare provider.

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are using before taking omeprazole.

Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Do not use pantoprazole if you are also using HIV/AIDS medicines that contain the drug rilpivirine such as Edurant, Complera, Juluca, Cabenuva, or Odefsey.

Pantoprazole can make other drugs less effective or increase the likelihood and severity of their side effects. Tell your doctor if you are taking: 

• HIV/AIDS drugs, particularly rilpivirine

• Cancer drugs

• Blood thinners, particularly warfarin and clopidogrel

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• Iron supplements

• The antifungal medications ketoconazole and itraconazole

• The heart rhythm drug digoxin

• The immune-suppressing drugs methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil

Pantoprazole may interfere with some lab tests.

Find out more about pantoprazole interactions to avoid here.