What is Pantoprazole?
Pantoprazole prescriptions are used as a treatment to manage stomach acid issues. There are a number of different conditions that Pantoprazole treatments can be used for, including things like taking Pantoprazole for acid reflux or GERD.
Pantoprazole, also known as pantoprazole sodium sesquihydrate, belongs to the family of medications known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), and it’s available as an oral tablet that’s typically taken once daily, and can be increased to twice daily in some cases.
If you’d like to learn more about Pantoprazole prescriptions, as well as how the medication functions, click here for more information.
How does Pantoprazole work?
As a member of the Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) family of medications, Pantoprazole works by encouraging your stomach to produce less acid.
In turn, it can be used to treat a number of stomach acid-related conditions that can be quite uncomfortable and painful.
What is Pantoprazole used to treat?
There are a variety of different stomach acid-related conditions that Pantoprazole medications may be suggested for, as a method of treatment or management. These conditions include:
- Stomach ulcers
- Duodenal ulcers
- Reflux esophagitis (also known as acid reflux)
- Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- For patients taking Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
How do you take Pantoprazole?
Pantoprazole dosages for GERD or acid reflux are to be taken once daily, orally. They are to be swallowed whole, not to be crushed or chewed.
Pantoprazole prescriptions can be taken with or without food. However it’s recommended to take the tablets on an empty stomach — best 30-60 minutes before a meal, usually before breakfast.
Although it’s up to you when you choose to take your daily Pantoprazole dosage, it’s suggested that you take it in the morning each day, as studies have shown that this helps Pantoprazole medications function at maximum efficiency.
If you miss a dose of Pantoprazole, be sure to take it as soon as you remember. Unless it’s getting close to the time for your next dose, in which case, you should simply skip it. NEVER double-up on your Pantoprazole dosages, even if you missed your last tablet.
How long does Pantoprazole last after you take it?
While Pantoprazole has a short half-life in your body (approximately 1 hour), it has been shown that its positive antisecretory effects increase with repeated dosages, which is part of the reason why Pantoprazole medications function best as a long-term treatment, i.e. 8 weeks.
It’s also been shown that Pantoprazole has shown the most efficient results when taken in the morning, rather than before bed, for its once-per-day dosaging.
What are the common side effects of Pantoprazole?
It’s important to note that most of the side effects of Pantoprazole present mildly, and many patients that use Pantoprazole prescriptions don’t experience any side effects at all, or they lessen/disappear as their bodies adjust to the treatment.
With that in mind, the most common side effects of Pantoprazole include:
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
These are normal, and you should only be concerned if they begin to become severe or start to impact your daily quality of life.
In addition to these, if you start to experience any of the much more rare side effects of Pantoprazole (i.e., vision changes, jaundice, severe skin reactions, etc.), you should let your practitioner know right away.
They may be able to suggest an alternative medication to Pantoprazole without interactions that cause negative side effects or symptoms.
SIDE NOTE: For those wondering “how long do the side effects of Pantoprazole last?”, it will vary from person to person, but if the side effects of Pantoprazole you’re experiencing are affecting your quality of life, it’s best to talk to your practitioner about it.
Who shouldn't take Pantoprazole?
There are some people who shouldn’t use Pantoprazole because interactions may occur. This includes:
- Patients who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Pantoprazole dosages
- Patients who are taking Rilpivirine
- Patients under the age of 18
As well, there are some people who should be extra cautious about accepting Pantoprazole online in Canada. These include people who:
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- Have unexplained weight loss
- Have severe or persistent diarrhea
- Have chronic vomiting
- Have dark stools
- Have ongoing fatigue (anemia)
- Have difficulty swallowing
- Have a history of liver problems
Patients taking Pantoprazole who have low magnesium should also be extra cautious. Some potential signs of low magnesium include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Muscle cramps, twitches, and/or spasms
For those with any of these conditions, be sure to let your assigned practitioner know about them, before accepting a prescription for Pantoprazole online in Canada.
In addition to these concerns, there are a substantial number of medications that may interact with your Pantoprazole dosages, so make sure that your practitioner is aware of any/all medications or treatments you’re currently using to avoid negative interactions with Pantoprazole.
How much does Pantoprazole cost in Canada?
The cost of Pantoprazole will vary depending on a couple of factors (i.e., your Pantoprazole dosage, where you’re purchasing your medications, etc.).
The good news is that if you choose to buy Pantoprazole online in Canada with Felix, our pharmacy partners can deliver you Pantoprazole (and refills), directly to your home - at no extra cost to you!
How Long Does it Take for Pantoprazole to Work for Acid Reflux?
Pantoprazole only has a half-life in your body of about an hour, so it starts to work within 1-2 of its ingestion.
The immediate impact of your Pantoprazole prescription can be impacted by the dosage of Pantoprazole that your practitioner has offered to you (i.e., 20 mg or 40 mg).
You may notice significant improvements to your acid levels in 2-4 days, while the medication becomes fully effective after 1-2 weeks of consistent use.
This is because the Pantoprazole medication’s effects compound, gradually reducing acid production over time.
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