What is Protonix? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Protonix

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Use only directed.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for a copy.

• How to take Protonix delayed-release tablets:

  • Protonix tablets can be taken with or without food.

  • You can take an antacid at the same time.

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

  • Tell the doctor if you are having problems swallowing a Protonix tablet.

  • Store Protonix tablets at room temperature.

• How to prepare and take Protonix oral suspension:

  • Take the oral suspension 30 minutes before a meal.

  • Protonix oral suspension granules come in single-dose packets.

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

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

  • 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. Do not mix it with any other kind of liquid or food.

  • Take the applesauce mixture with sips of water within 10 minutes of preparing it. 

  • 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.

  • Store Protonix granules at room temperature. Don’t open the packets until ready to prepare a dose.

Find instructions on how to administer Protonix granules through a feeding tube here.

What to do if you miss a dose of Protonix

• Take a missed dose as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. 

• Take only one dose at a time.

Protonix contraindications - Who shouldn't take Protonix?

• 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).

Protonix warnings

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

• Your doctor may need to perform regular lab tests to check on the effects of this medicine, particularly if it’s taken long-term. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Before taking Protonix, tell the prescriber if you have:

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Low levels of magnesium, potassium, zinc, or calcium

  • Osteoporosis

  • Lupus

• 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

  • Stomach polyps

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency (when used long-term)

  • Low magnesium, low calcium, or low potassium

• Protonix can cause severe diarrhea caused by a bacteria called C. difficile. The diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine. Call your doctor if the diarrhea is severe, nonstop, or bloody. Do not take any diarrhea medicine until consulting with a doctor. 

Protonix interactions & what to avoid when taking Protonix

• 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 Protonix.

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

• Protonix can never be safely taken with HIV/AIDS medicines that contain the drug rilpivirine. Drugs that contain rilpivirine are sold under the brand names Edurant, Complera, Juluca, Cabenuva, and Odefsey.

• Before starting Protonix, tell your doctor if you are taking: 

  • HIV/AIDS drugs

  • Cancer drugs

  • Blood thinners, particularly warfarin

  • 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

  • The antibiotics ampicillin, cefuroxime, or cefpodoxime

• Protonix may interfere with some lab tests.

• Some foods that worsen stomach acid or acid reflux may need to be avoided if you’re taking a proton pump inhibitor like Protonix.

Find out more about pantoprazole interactions to avoid here.