Microplastics and Misinformation: What Science Really Says
November 12, 2025
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Brand Name :
Protonix
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
pantoprazole
Class :
Drugs for peptic ulcer & Proton pump inhibitors
Brand Name :
Protonix
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
pantoprazole
Class :
Drugs for peptic ulcer & Proton pump inhibitors
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Solution Reconstituted, Intravenous
40 mg
Packet, Oral
40 mg
Tablet Delayed-Released, Oral
20 mg
40 mg
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Indicated for Erosive Esophagitis Associated With GERD
40 mg orally daily 8-16 weeks; may be increased to 40 mg
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug-induced Ulcers
Indicated for Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcers
20 mg to 40 mg once daily, taken by orally
Typically, it is given simultaneously with NSAID treatment to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal complications
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Solution Reconstituted, Intravenous:
40 mg
Packet, Oral:
40 mg
Tablet Delayed-Released, Oral:
20 mg
40 mg
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug-induced Ulcers
For 13 to 18 years old:
Take a dose of 20 mg to 40 mg orally once daily
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
For 13 to 18 years old:
Take a dose of 40 mg orally daily for 8 to16 weeks
Refer to adult dosing
when both drugs are combined, there may be a decrease in levels of serum concentration and absorption of erlotinib
it may decrease the serum concentration of belumosudil
it may decrease the serum concentration of bosutinib
interaction with proton pump inhibitors may cause delayed elimination of methotrexate.
interaction with proton pump inhibitors may cause delayed elimination of trimetrexate
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased level of serum concentration of alpelisib
the serum concentration of acalabrutinib may be reduced by Inhibitors of the Proton Pump (PPIs and PCABs)
it may diminish the therapeutic effect of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
it may diminish the therapeutic effect of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
it may diminish the therapeutic effect of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
It may enhance the effect when combined with tafamidis meglumine
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk of hypomagnesemia
Zidovudine increases the serum concentrations of pantoprazole, dose adjustments may be suggested to avoid toxicity
Tenofovir alafenamide increases the serum concentrations of pantoprazole, dose adjustments may be suggested to avoid toxicity
it may decrease the serum concentration of Atazanavir
may have a decrease in excretion when combined with pantoprazole
Actions and Spectrum
Pantoprazole belongs to the benzimidazole group of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), distinct from the imidazopyridine group. The key difference lies in the extended metabolism rate of benzimidazoles, resulting in a shorter presence in plasma. This mechanism involves inhibition of H+/K+ ATP pumps irreversibly which is crucial to produce gastric acid within parietal cells of the stomach lining. With increased degradation in lowering the pH environments as its efficacy is optimized in the stomach. This inhibition lasts up to 24 hours, after which new pumps necessitate a subsequent dose for continued action. Rapid onset occurs, with maximal effect between 2 and 6 hours post-administration. Liver metabolism is primarily undergone through CYP2C19 demethylation and sulfation and generates metabolites of unknown significance.
Frequency defined:
1% to 10%
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Nausea
Dizziness
Headache
<1%:
Bradycardia
Chest pain
Pruritis
Decreased libido
Diabetes mellitus
Goiter
Black Box Warning
May cause allergic reactions so caution is needed
Contraindication/Caution
Contraindications
Cautions
Pregnancy/Lactation
Pregnancy consideration: No adverse effects have been reported in the animal reproduction studies. It can be recommended for the treatment of GERD.
Lactation: It can be excreted in breast milk and use with caution.
Pregnancy category:
Pharmacology
It is a proton pump inhibitor which inhibits the secretion of acid by binding to the H+/K+-exchanging ATPase in gastric parietal cells. By preventing the synthesis of gastric acid this action efficiently lowers stomach acidity and treats disorders including gastric reflux disease and peptic ulcers which are caused by excessive gastric acidity.
Pharmacodynamics
It is widely used to manage conditions associated with excess gastric acidity including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The pharmacodynamic profile of pantoprazole underscores its efficacy in controlling gastric acid levels by offering relief and healing in various acid-related gastrointestinal disorders.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
The bioavailability is 77%
The time to achieve peak effect is 2.8 hours
Distribution
Protein-bound is 98%
The volume of distribution is 11-24 L
Metabolism
It undergoes hepatic metabolism with a secondary pathway via CYP3A4.
Elimination and Excretion
The half-life is 1 hour and 3.5 hours
The drug is excreted 18% in feces and 71% in urine.
Administration
It is administered orally in the form of tablets
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: pantoprazole
Pronounced: pan-To-pruh-zole
Why do we use pantoprazole?
Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid production and treat various acid-related gastrointestinal conditions.
It is commonly prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to relieve symptoms like heartburn and acid regurgitation, and to heal erosive esophagitis caused by stomach acid. Pantoprazole is also effective in treating peptic ulcer disease, including both gastric and duodenal ulcers. In cases involving Helicobacter pylori infection, it may be used as part of a combination therapy with antibiotics to promote ulcer healing.
Additionally, pantoprazole is indicated for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by excessive acid production due to gastrin-secreting tumors. It is also used to prevent NSAID-induced gastric ulcers in patients requiring long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy. Off-label, pantoprazole may be used for functional dyspepsia and stress ulcer prophylaxis in hospitalized or critically ill patients.
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