Pantoprazole Sodium DR (also known as Protonix) is a delayed release medication used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This malady can cause both heartburn and damage to the food pipe due to stomach acid back up. Pantoprazole works to reduce acid production in the stomach as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It helps stop further inflammation as well as promotes healing. However, the medication can cause a variety of gastrointestinal-related side effects.
Gastrointestinal Difficulties
Using Pantoprazole Sodium DR can result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, excessive burping and flatulence. The Drugs.com website states these gastrointestinal side effects are fairly common with this medication. During clinical trials about 9 percent of those who used the medication reported diarrhea, 7 percent reported nausea, 6 percent had abdominal pain and 4 percent experienced vomiting.
Headaches and Dizziness
Pantoprazole Sodium DR can cause headaches and dizziness in those who take it. The RxList website reports clinical trials showed 12 percent of patients taking the medication experienced headaches and 3 percent suffered from dizziness.
Possible Infant Side Effects
A nursing mother who takes Pantoprazole Sodium DR may transmit the medication through her breast milk. The Drugs.com website warns that possibly serious side effects can result from this transmission, so nursing mothers should stop breast feeding if they are taking the medication. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states there is a possibility the medication can cause tumors to grow in nursing infants; therefore, they advise avoiding the medication or stopping breast feeding if the medication is necessary.
Joint Pain
Taking Pantoprazole Sodium DR may cause joint pain (athralgia). The NIH states that during clinical trials, 3 percent of test subjects complained of joint pain while taking the medication.
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