Pantoprazole ▫️Pantoprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which block the production of acid by the stomach. - Other drugs in the same class include lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec) and rabeprazole (Aciphex). ▫️Proton pump inhibitors are used for the treatment of stomach conditions such as duodenal and peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome that are caused by stomach acid. ▫️Pantoprazole, like other proton-pump inhibitors, blocks the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. By blocking the enzyme, the production of acid is decreased, and this allows the stomach and esophagus to heal. ▫️The FDA approved Pantoprazole in February 2000. ▫️Pantoprazole is approved for: - Treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - Treating ulcers of the stomach (peptic) and duodenum - Healing erosive esophagitis - Treating Zollinger-Ellison syndrome ▫️High doses and long-term use (1 year or longer) of pantoprazole may increase the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine. - Therefore, it is important to use the lowest doses and shortest duration of treatment necessary for the condition being treated. ▫️Proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infection. High doses and long-term use (1 year or longer) may increase the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine. Prolonged use also reduces absorption of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). ▫️Long-term use of PPIs has also been associated with low levels of magnesium (hypomagnesemia). Analysis of patients taking PPIs for long periods showed an increased risk of heart attacks.
