According to MedlinePlus, Protonix, also known as pantoprazole, belongs to a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors. Protonix suppresses stomach acid secretion by inhibiting the hydrogen-potassium ATPase enzyme system located in the wall of the stomach. Long-term use of high doses of Protonix may cause damage to the liver.
Hepatitis
According to MedlinePlus, hepatitis is the swelling and inflammation of the liver that prevents the liver from functioning properly. Protonix is metabolized in the body so that it can be removed from the body. Large amounts of Protonix damage liver cells and cause inflammation in the liver. Signs and symptoms of liver inflammation include nausea, vomiting, itching, clay-colored stool, right upper abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Hepato-Biliary System
According to MedlinePlus, the hepato-biliary system refers to the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts and how they work together to make bile. Drugs.com states that excess Protonix interferes with the hepato-biliary system and causes biliary pain, gallbladder stones, gallbladder inflammation and jaundice.
Abnormal Liver Function Tests
According to Drugs.com, Protonix causes an increase in serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, or SGOT, and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, or SGPT, liver enzymes. Liver function tests are used to detect damage to the liver. A simple blood test is used to determine the presence of liver enzymes such as SGOT and SGPT, which are present in the bloodstream when the liver is damaged.
