Protonix is a drug used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other conditions that cause erosion to the esophagus because of stomach acid. It is indicated for short-term use (up to eight weeks) in adults or pediatric patients of age 5 and older or for long-term treatment of those suffering from Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a digestive disorder caused by tumors that induce production of excess stomach acid. A number of adverse side effects have been reported by those taking Protonix.
Most Common Side Effects
According to RXList.com, the most frequent adverse side effects reported in clinical trials with Protonix include joint pain, dizziness, flatulence (gas), abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, nausea and diarrhea.
As indicated on eMedTV, other common side effects include insomnia, rash, burping, hyperglycemia and abnormal liver function tests.
Symptom severity may vary from person to person. If you develop any of these symptoms (or if they worsen and will not go away), contact your doctor.
Less Common Side Effects
According to eMedTV, Protonix may cause rare but potentially serious side effects that should prompt you to contact your doctor right away. Symptoms occurring in 1 to 2 percent of people include anxiety, asthenia (diminished strength and energy), bronchitis, back or neck pain, urinary tract infection, cough, constipation, flu-like syndrome, neck pain, hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood), migraine, gastroenteritis, sore throat, rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages) and respiratory infections.
Extremely rare side effects occurring in less than 1 percent of adults include malaise (feeling ill and lacking energy), dry mouth, lack of appetite, arthritis, gout (sudden attack of joint pain), weight loss or gain, depression, vertigo, acne, goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland), hepatitis, anemia, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and impotence. Side effects such as angiodema (swelling under the skin), fever, chills, facial swelling, chest pains, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, glaucoma, diabetes, heart attack are signs of a medical emergency; call 9-1-1 if you experience these symptoms.
Other Reported Side Effects
People taking Protonix have reported experiencing side effects that were not observed in clinical trials. Because these are reported voluntarily, it is unknown how common they are in the population. If you experience these or any unusual symptoms, contact your doctor right away. As described by RXList.com, symptoms reported by others include skin disorders, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome--life-threatening skin diseases that cause a rash, peeling of the skin and sores on mucous membranes. The skin condition erythema multiforme (caused by allergic reaction to Protonix) has also been reported.
Rhabdomyolysis (rapid breakdown of muscle fibers), interstitial nephritis (kidney inflammation), severe liver damage that causes jaundice and liver failure, and hallucinations and confusion have also occurred.
Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have also been reported, causing swelling of the throat and face, a rapid drop in blood pressure and problems breathing. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Pediatric Side Effects
According to RXList.com, Protonix has been evaluated in clinical trials with children of ages 1 to 16. The most common adverse side effects (occurring in more than 4 percent of participants) are upper respiratory infection, headache, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, rash and abdominal pain. If your child is experiencing these or any unusual symptoms, call your doctor right away.
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