Protonix accumulates in the tubules of parietal cells of the stomach and transforms into its active form that  interacts with the H+-K+-ATP-ase. Protonix inhibits this enzyme and prevents transfer of hydrogen ions from the parietal cells into the stomach cavity this way blocking the final stage of hydrochloric acid secretion. Protonix inhibits basal and stimulated (regardless type of a stimuli - acetylcholine, histamine, gastrin) secretion of hydrochloric acid. This medication is used to treat acute stage of duodenal or gastric ulcers, including those caused by treatment with anti-inflammatory non-steroid medications, gastroesophageal reflux disease (moderate and severe); Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, eradication of H. pylori in patients with a peptic ulcer to reduce the frequency of relapses.

Dosage and directions

Take exactly as administered by your doctor. Usually for patients with stomach or duodenum ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease Protonix is recommended as 40 mg daily dose. Treatment continues mostly during four weeks. Combined treatment with antibiotics (amoxicillin and clarithromycin) directed eradicate H. pylori in patients with ulcers in stomach and duodenum requires Protonix 40 mg daily divided in two doses: take one tablet before breakfast and before supper, do not chew or crash it, eat it whole with a glass of water. In case you purchased Protonix oral granules take them mixed only with applesauce or apple juice to make swallowing easy. Do not use any other type of liquid or soft food for it. Do not crush, chew, or break a delayed-release tablet.

Precautions

Some conditions require longterm treatment with Protonix. This medication is known to provoke cancer in animals but it was not tested for cancer in humans. It also causes deficit of vitamin B-12. Symptoms of a vitamin B-12 shortage may develop slowly and include pale skin, weakness, tired feeling, shortness of breath, and a fast heart rate. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding as there is no evidence on influence of this drug on an unborn baby.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, hepatitis and cirrhosis combined with severe liver failure.

Possible side effect

Most common side effects may appear as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, rash and headaches, dizziness, nervousness, abnormal heartbeat, muscle pain, weakness, leg cramps and water retention. Allergic reaction is also possible: hives, swelling of face and tongue, rash.

Drug interaction

Protonix is able to decrease pH-dependent absorption of ketoconazole and other medications. Protonix also increases the absorption and concentration in blood of digoxin (Lanoxin). This may lead to reduction of ketoconazole effectiveness or increase of digoxin toxicity, respectively.

Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it the soonest. If it is almost time for your next dose, just skip it and return to your regular dosage schedule. Never double dose of this medication to compensate the missed dose.

Overdose

This medication is not expected to cause life threating side effect if it was overdosed. If you suppose that took too much of it, seek for immediate medical help.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F) away from light and moisture, kids and pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.