PANTOLOC 20mg Tablets/Enteric-coated

What is PANTOLOC 20mg

PANTOLOC 20mg is a prescription medication that contains Pantoprazole (as sodium sesquihydrate), a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid production. It is formulated as enteric-coated tablets to prevent degradation in the acidic environment of the stomach and ensure optimal absorption in the intestine.

• Primarily used for treating acid-related gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
• Effective in relieving symptoms like heartburn, acid regurgitation, and epigastric pain.
• It works by targeting the gastric proton pump responsible for acid secretion, thereby offering long-lasting acid suppression.
• Typically prescribed in a 20mg dose, but the duration and regimen depend on the specific diagnosis and individual patient response.

How to use PANTOLOC 20mg

Using PANTOLOC 20mg correctly ensures maximum effectiveness and minimizes the risk of side effects.

• Dosage form: Take the tablet whole with water. Do not chew, crush, or split it due to its enteric coating.
• Timing: Ideally taken before meals, usually in the morning. Consistency in timing improves therapeutic outcomes.
• Missed dose: If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it's close to the next dose. Never double the dose to compensate.
• Duration of therapy: Often prescribed for 4 to 8 weeks. Do not stop early even if symptoms improve without medical consultation.
• Medical follow-up: Regular monitoring may be needed for patients on long-term use, particularly for vitamin B12 levels, magnesium, and bone density.
• Children & elderly: Special care and dose adjustment may be required based on age, weight, and kidney/liver function.

Mode of Action PANTOLOC 20mg

Pantoprazole, the active ingredient in PANTOLOC 20mg, works by targeting and inhibiting the final step of acid production in the stomach.

• Proton Pump Inhibitor: Pantoprazole selectively and irreversibly blocks the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme system (proton pump) located on gastric parietal cells.
• Acid suppression: This inhibition leads to a profound and prolonged reduction in gastric acid secretion, independent of the stimulus (food, histamine, etc.).
• Enteric coating: Prevents degradation by gastric acid, allowing the drug to reach the small intestine where it is absorbed and converted into its active form in the acidic canaliculi of parietal cells.
• Onset and duration: Acid suppression begins within 1 hour of administration and lasts up to 24 hours, allowing once-daily dosing.
• Healing mechanism: By reducing gastric acidity, pantoprazole promotes mucosal healing and reduces irritation of ulcers and esophageal lesions.

PANTOLOC 20mg Interactions PANTOLOC 20mg

Pantoprazole may interact with various drugs, affecting their absorption, metabolism, or efficacy. Key interactions include:

• Drugs Dependent on Gastric pH: Pantoprazole reduces stomach acid, which may impair the absorption of drugs such as:
  • Ketoconazole and itraconazole (antifungals)
  • Atazanavir (HIV antiviral)
  • Iron salts and calcium carbonate supplements
• Anticoagulants: Caution is advised when used with warfarin as it may enhance anticoagulant effects. Monitoring of INR is recommended.
• Clopidogrel: Pantoprazole may reduce the antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel, though the clinical significance remains debated. Alternative PPIs with minimal CYP2C19 interaction may be preferred.
• Methotrexate: High-dose methotrexate use with pantoprazole may lead to increased toxicity; temporary withdrawal may be advised during methotrexate treatment.
• Digoxin: Pantoprazole may increase the absorption of digoxin, potentially leading to toxicity. Monitoring serum levels is advisable.

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are using to avoid harmful interactions.

Dosage of PANTOLOC 20mg

The appropriate dosage of PANTOLOC 20mg depends on the specific medical condition being treated:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
  • Standard Dose: 20 mg once daily
  • Duration: Typically 4 to 8 weeks, with possible extension based on response
• Maintenance Therapy for GERD:
  • 20 mg once daily to prevent relapse
• Gastric/Duodenal Ulcers:
  • 20–40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks
• Helicobacter pylori Eradication (as part of triple therapy):
  • 40 mg twice daily, with antibiotics for 7–14 days
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome:
  • Initial dose: 40 mg twice daily, adjusted based on acid output and patient response

Important Notes:

• Adjust dose for elderly or those with liver impairment if needed
• Do not exceed recommended dosage without medical supervision
• For children, dosing should be guided strictly by a pediatrician

Possible side effects of PANTOLOC 20mg

Pantoprazole is generally well tolerated, but like all medicines, it may cause side effects in some individuals. These can range from mild to severe.

• Common Side Effects:
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Flatulence
• Uncommon/Rare Side Effects:
  • Dizziness
  • Joint pain or muscle aches
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Sleep disturbances
• Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Help):
  • Severe allergic reactions (swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Liver enzyme elevation or hepatitis symptoms (jaundice, fatigue)
  • Low magnesium levels (muscle cramps, arrhythmia)
  • Bone fractures (with long-term high-dose use)
  • Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in hospitalized patients

Report any unusual or severe symptoms to your doctor immediately.

PANTOLOC 20mg Contraindications PANTOLOC 20mg

PANTOLOC 20mg is not suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions and individual factors may prevent its safe use.

• Absolute Contraindications:
  • Known hypersensitivity to Pantoprazole or any of the excipients.
  • Allergy to other proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole).
• Relative Contraindications (Use With Caution):
  • Severe hepatic impairment – dose adjustment and monitoring required.
  • Osteoporosis or risk of fractures – long-term use increases risk.
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency – long-term use may worsen it.
  • Magnesium deficiency – may be exacerbated by long-term use.
• Not for Immediate Symptom Relief: PANTOLOC is not intended for rapid relief of heartburn or acute symptoms. Antacids may be required temporarily.

Always assess risk vs. benefit with a healthcare provider before initiating therapy.

Storage of PANTOLOC 20mg

Proper storage of PANTOLOC 20mg ensures the medication remains effective and safe for use throughout its shelf life.

• Storage Conditions:
  • Store at a temperature below 25°C (77°F).
  • Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture and light.
• Do Not:
  • Store in the bathroom or near a sink.
  • Expose to high heat or direct sunlight.
  • Use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
• Disposal:
  • Do not throw unused or expired tablets in household trash.
  • Return to a pharmacy for proper disposal or follow local regulations.
• Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets.

Proper storage helps maintain drug integrity and ensures safe use.