Pantoprazole tablets

What is this medicine?

PANTOPRAZOLE (pan TOE pra zole) prevents the production of acid in the stomach. It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammation of the esophagus, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush, break, or chew. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bone, muscle or joint pain

• breathing problems

• chest pain or chest tightness

• dark yellow or brown urine

• dizziness

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded

• fever or sore throat

• muscle spasm

• palpitations

• rash on cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• stomach polyps

• tremors

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• diarrhea

• dry mouth

• headache

• nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• atazanavir

• nelfinavir

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• ampicillin

• delavirdine

• erlotinib

• iron salts

• medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole

• methotrexate

• mycophenolate mofetil

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease

• low levels of magnesium in the blood

• lupus

• an unusual or allergic reaction to omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

It can take several days before your stomach pain gets better. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better, or if it gets worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.