PANTOZYN 40 Tablets/Gastro-Resistant

What is PANTOZYN 40

PANTOZYN 40 is a prescription medicine that contains Pantoprazole as the active ingredient, presented in gastro-resistant tablet form. Each tablet contains Pantoprazole sodium sesquihydrate equivalent to 40mg of Pantoprazole. It is classified as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), used primarily to treat conditions associated with excessive gastric acid production.

• Generic Name: Pantoprazole (as sodium sesquihydrate)
• Form: Gastro-resistant tablet
• Strength: 40 mg
• Packaging: 30 tablets (10s blister × 3)
• Indications:
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
  • Erosive esophagitis
  • Helicobacter pylori eradication (as part of combination therapy)

How to use PANTOZYN 40

PANTOZYN 40 should be used exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider. This medication is designed to be taken orally and must not be crushed or chewed, as the enteric coating protects the active ingredient from stomach acid degradation.

• Route: Oral administration
• Timing: Best taken at least 30 to 60 minutes before meals, preferably in the morning
• Swallow Whole: Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or split
• Duration of Treatment:
  • GERD: 4 to 8 weeks, depending on severity
  • Ulcers or H. pylori eradication: 7 to 14 days with antibiotics
  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: Long-term treatment under specialist supervision
• Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose to catch up.
• Important Notes:
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dietary modifications.
  • Do not abruptly discontinue use without medical advice.

Mode of Action PANTOZYN 40

Pantoprazole is a selective proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that targets the gastric parietal cells in the stomach lining. Its main function is to suppress the final step in gastric acid production.

• Target: H⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme system (the "proton pump") in the gastric parietal cells
• Mechanism: Pantoprazole irreversibly binds to the proton pumps, blocking the secretion of hydrogen ions into the stomach, thereby reducing gastric acid levels
• Duration of Action: The effect starts within 1 hour and may last up to 24 hours or more, especially with regular use
• Therapeutic Benefits:
  • Relieves symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, and epigastric pain
  • Promotes healing of ulcers and erosions in the stomach and esophagus
  • Prevents recurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding in at-risk patients

PANTOZYN 40 Interactions PANTOZYN 40

Pantoprazole may interact with various drugs, altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. These interactions are primarily due to its effects on gastric pH and cytochrome P450 enzymes.

• Drugs with Absorption Affected by pH:
  • Ketoconazole, Itraconazole: Reduced absorption due to higher gastric pH
  • Atazanavir, Nelfinavir: Significantly reduced serum levels; avoid co-use
• Drugs Metabolized by CYP Enzymes:
  • Warfarin: Monitor INR closely; risk of bleeding
  • Clopidogrel: Efficacy may be reduced; use with caution
• Others:
  • Digoxin: Monitor for toxicity, especially in elderly
  • Methotrexate: High-dose therapy may be delayed in excretion
• Food Interactions: Food may delay absorption but does not significantly affect bioavailability

Dosage of PANTOZYN 40

Dosage of PANTOZYN 40 is determined by the specific condition, patient age, and clinical response. It is essential to follow medical advice for safe and effective use.

• Adults:
  • GERD/Erosive Esophagitis: 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks
  • Maintenance (GERD): 20–40 mg once daily as directed
  • Peptic Ulcers: 40 mg daily for 2 to 4 weeks (duodenal), or up to 8 weeks (gastric)
  • H. pylori Eradication: 40 mg twice daily with antibiotics for 7–14 days
  • Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Start with 40 mg twice daily; titrate as needed
• Children (≥5 years, ≥15 kg):
  • Consult pediatric guidelines and a healthcare provider for adjusted doses
• Elderly: No dose adjustment typically required, but monitor kidney/liver function

Possible side effects of PANTOZYN 40

While PANTOZYN 40 is generally well-tolerated, some users may experience side effects. These can range from mild to serious and require medical attention if persistent or severe.

• Common Side Effects:
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Flatulence
• Uncommon or Serious Side Effects:
  • Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
  • Dizziness or joint pain
  • Hepatic enzyme elevations
  • Hypomagnesemia (with prolonged use)
  • Bone fractures (with long-term use)
  • Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
• Long-Term Use Risks:
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Increased risk of kidney disease
  • Gastric gland polyps (benign)

PANTOZYN 40 Contraindications PANTOZYN 40

There are specific conditions where the use of PANTOZYN 40 is not recommended due to increased risk of adverse effects or lack of safety data.

• Absolute Contraindications:
  • Known hypersensitivity to Pantoprazole, substituted benzimidazoles, or any excipients in the formulation
• Relative Contraindications / Cautions:
  • Severe hepatic impairment – use with caution and monitor liver enzymes
  • Osteoporosis – consider supplementation with calcium and vitamin D
  • Magnesium imbalance – monitor with prolonged use
  • Concomitant use of drugs requiring acidic pH for absorption

Storage of PANTOZYN 40

Proper storage of PANTOZYN 40 ensures its stability and effectiveness throughout its shelf life.

• Temperature: Store below 25°C (77°F)
• Humidity: Keep in a dry place, away from moisture and humidity
• Packaging: Store tablets in the original blister pack until use to protect from light and air
• Keep Out of Reach: Store away from children and pets
• Do Not Use: After the expiry date printed on the packaging
• Disposal: Discard unused or expired medicine according to local pharmacy or environmental guidelines