Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat stomach and throat problems related to extra stomach acid (e.g., esophagitis, ulcers). Decreasing extra stomach acid can help relieve symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, and trouble sleeping. It can also prevent serious problems caused by acid damage to your digestive system (e.g., ulcers, cancer of the esophagus).

The injection form of this drug is used for a short time when you cannot take the medication by mouth. When possible, your doctor should switch you to the form that is taken by mouth. Pantoprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach.

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Health care professionals must follow all the manufacturer's instructions for properly mixing and giving this drug. If you have any questions about using this medication properly, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Redness/pain/swelling at the injection site, headache, nausea, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may rarely increase the risk of a serious lung infection (e.g., pneumonia). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms of lung infection occur: difficult/painful breathing, cough, fever, unusual tiredness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using pantoprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other proton pump inhibitors (e.g., lansoprazole, omeprazole); or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lack of certain minerals in the body (e.g., iron or zinc).

Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have: heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/left arm pain (especially with trouble breathing), unexplained weight loss.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Pantoprazole passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: atazanavir, nelfinavir.

If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting pantoprazole.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: products that contain zinc (e.g., zinc supplements, vitamins that contain zinc), warfarin.

Some products need stomach acid so that the body can absorb them properly (such as ampicillin, iron supplements, calcium supplements, dasatinib, azole antifungals including ketoconazole). Pantoprazole decreases stomach acid, so it may change how well these other products work. Before using pantoprazole, consult your doctor or pharmacist about the other medications you take and for advice on how to reduce or avoid these types of interactions.

This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., urine screen for THC), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: loss of coordination, shakiness (tremor).

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress. Consult your doctor for more information.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store unmixed vials at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not freeze. See package information for information on how to store this product after mixing. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised October 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.