Pantoprazole

Pantoprazole (known as Pantoprazol in some markets) is a treatment for acid reflux that works fast to ease symptoms like heartburn and indigestion. It belongs to a group of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which, when taken daily, reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, relieving symptoms and easing discomfort.

You can buy generic Pantoprazole gastro-resistant tablets online from 121doc after you complete a short online consultation. Oral Pantoprazole is available from 121doc as 20 mg tablets.

Pantoprazole vs Omeprazole: what’s the difference?

Pantoprazole and Omeprazole are both proton pump inhibitors that reduce stomach acid to prevent acid reflux. While more alike than different, there are a few key things that separate them:

• Manufacturer & packaging: Manufacturer and packaging can vary depending on region, although the active ingredient is the same, no matter who makes it.
• Price: Cost can vary between markets, and one medicine may be cheaper than the other depending on where you are ordering from.
• Effectiveness: While similarly effective for acid reflux, one treatment may be better suited for you based on individual factors. Tell your doctor about any health conditions you may have and all medicines you are taking in your consultation.

While usually prescribed for acid reflux management, there are some other conditions that can be treated with Pantoprazole. Other Pantoprazole uses include:

• GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease): A chronic form of acid reflux caused by a weak muscle (sphincter) between the stomach and the food pipe.
• Reflux oesophagitis: Inflammation of the oesophagus (food pipe), often caused by chronic acid reflux.
• Preventing stomach ulcers: Long-term use of anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen) can lead to stomach ulcers. This can be prevented with Pantoprazole.

At 121doc, we prescribe Pantoprazole 20 mg tablets specifically for acid reflux.

Pantoprazole works by binding to proton pumps, which are enzymes in the stomach that produce stomach acid. Once the active ingredient in Pantoprazole has bound to these enzymes, it blocks them from producing too much acid. By doing this, Pantoprazole makes stomach acid less likely to travel up the food pipe, preventing acid reflux and treating symptoms like heartburn and indigestion.

Pantoprazole is highly effective as an acid reflux treatment, helping most who take it significantly ease their symptoms. One meta-analysis including 3 trials and 252 patients with GORD found the following:

• 70% of patients had complete heartburn relief after 8 weeks of treatment
• 45% had complete heartburn relief after 4 weeks of treatment
• Over 90% experienced no adverse events

Even if full relief wasn’t achieved, most patients still saw a noticeable reduction in their symptoms.

Pantoprazole starts working to reduce stomach acid straight away, but it can take a few days for you to notice an improvement in your symptoms, and up to 4 weeks of daily dosing for complete relief. 4 weeks is usually enough time to control your acid reflux symptoms, but your doctor may prescribe it for longer. Never take it for longer than prescribed.

Pantoprazole can be taken twice a day depending on your condition, but the usual recommended Pantoprazole dosage for acid reflux and heartburn is 20 mg once per day. For chronic conditions or conditions with severe symptoms, you may be prescribed 40 mg tablets instead, or instructed to take 20 mg or 40 mg tablets twice per day.

The maximum dose of Pantoprazole is 240 mg per day, but this is for specific conditions and is rarely prescribed.

If taking Pantoprazole once per day, the best time to take it is in the morning, an hour before breakfast. If taking it twice per day, the best time to take it is in the morning, an hour before breakfast, and again in the evening, an hour before dinner. It’s generally recommended to take it before you eat to allow it to work before the food you eat triggers an increase in stomach acid.

However, you can take it at any time of the day that suits you. Just make sure you take it at the same time every day to ensure a steady flow of medicine throughout the day and night.

If you forget to take Pantoprazole, skip the missed dose and take your next one at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you forget more than one dose of Pantoprazole, contact your doctor for advice on what to do. Missing multiple doses can interfere with the effectiveness of the medicine.

In order to be prescribed Pantoprazole from 121doc, you must be over 18 years old with symptoms of acid reflux.

Do not take Pantoprazole if you are allergic to any ingredient in Pantoprazole or any other proton pump inhibitor. In addition to this, ask your doctor before taking Pantoprazole if you have or are taking:

• severe liver problems
• a vitamin B12 deficiency
• an upcoming blood test for Chromogranin A
• anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen consistently
• HIV treatments known as HIV protease inhibitors (such as Ritonavir)

Most doctors will not prescribe Pantoprazole during pregnancy, as there is not sufficient evidence regarding its safety. Similarly, it will not be prescribed to breastfeeding women, as the medicine can pass into breast milk. At 121doc, we do not prescribe proton pump inhibitors to anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.

Taking Pantoprazole for acid reflux can cause some side effects, although most are mild, and not everyone will get them.

The most common Pantoprazole side effects are:

• benign polyps (growths) in the stomach
• headache
• dizziness
• diarrhoea
• vomiting or nausea
• bloating and flatulence (wind)
• constipation
• dry mouth
• stomach pain
• skin rash

Aside from polyps, these side effects are uncommon, only affecting up to 1 in 100 people. For a full list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Long-term side effects of Pantoprazole

Long-term side effects from Pantoprazole are rare, but they can happen, especially when taking it for longer than 3 months.

They include the following:

• an increased risk of bone fractures
• gut infections
• vitamin B12 deficiency

Long-term use should only be done under a doctor’s supervision to reduce the risk of long-term adverse effects from Pantoprazole.

Yes, Pantoprazole has been known to cause gas and bloating in some people who take it, but this is uncommon. If you experience gas or bloating as a side effect, consult your doctor for advice. In the meantime, you may find it helpful to eat smaller meals, avoid fizzy drinks, and eat less spicy or fatty foods.

No, you cannot get Pantoprazole without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc, and our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects

To see if you’re eligible for treatment, all you have to do is complete a short online consultation. If approved by our medical team, your treatment will be delivered direct to your door in discreet packaging.