Pantoprazole--made by the pharmaceutical company, Pfizer--is the active ingredient in Protonix. An acid blocker, it's used to treat erosive esophagitis, a condition of the esophagus associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Pantoprazole may also treat conditions characterized by the excessive secretion of acid. Generally well-tolerated, its users may experience unwanted side effects.
Headache
Headache is the most common side effect associated with the use of pantoprazole. During pre-marketing trials, over 12 percent of the 1,473 participants, reported headache as a side effect. Take a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, to relieve your headache.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is also a potential side effect of pantoprazole. Almost 9 percent of clinical trial participants experienced diarrhea while taking it. You may experience this side effect from the initiation through the duration of treatment, or it may last temporarily. Manage diarrhea by taking an over-the-counter antidiarrheal.
Abdominal Pain/Gas
Pantoprazole may also cause other abdominal side effects such as pain, gas, nausea and vomiting. Incidence of these side effects among clinical trials participants range from 3 percent to 6 percent. These reactions are manageable and usually don't result in the discontinuation of the medication.
Fractures
Pantoprazole may increase your risk for developing hip, wrist, or spine fractures. This risk is greater if you take pantoprazole for a year or longer or if you take high doses or multiple daily doses of the medication. To minimize your risk, take the lowest effective dose for your condition and don't take it longer than necessary to resolve your condition.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook": Charles Lacy, RPh, Lora Armstrong, RPh., Morton Goldman, RPh. Leonard Lance, RPh.; 2008
- Epocrates Online: Pantoprazole Monograph
- Pfizer: Protonix Prescribing Informaton
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