Pantoprazole is a treatment for acid reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and acid reflux, it’s also the active ingredient that’s found in branded Pantoloc Control tablets.
Acid reflux happens when the sphincter muscle between the stomach and the esophagus becomes weak or fails to close tightly, causing food and stomach acids to flow back (reflux) into the esophagus. When this happens on a regular basis it’s known as GORD.
Pantoprazole reduces the amount of acid in your stomach which prevents any from travelling into the oesophagus and throat.
Pantoprazole is available as a gastro-resistant tablet (meaning that it passes through the stomach and into the intestine where it can work more effectively) and comes in two dosage sizes: 20mg and 40mg.
How does Pantoprazole work?
Acid reflux and GORD are common and frustrating conditions that can have a negative effect on quality of life.
The lining of the stomach is made up of cells that contain proton pumps that ‘pump’ acid into the stomach to help with the digestion of food. In some cases, the cells produce too much acid and this can cause irritation to the stomach and other parts of the digestive system. Excess acid made by the cells can flow out of the stomach and into the oesophagus and throat. This acid is what causes the unpleasant feeling of heartburn.
If left untreated, acid reflux can damage the oesophagus and throat. Common conditions caused by ongoing acid reflux, or GORD, are oesophagitis and laryngitis.
Pantoprazole contains a proton pump inhibitor that prevents the cells from producing excess acid and relieves the short term symptoms of acid reflux and prevents the long-term effects too.
What doses of Pantoprazole are there?
There are two ‘sizes’ of tablet: 20mg and 40mg.
Pantoprazole tablets come in two doses: 20mg and 40mg. The usual dose for acid reflux is one 20mg tablet a day. This dose usually works to relieve symptoms within 2-4 weeks.
When taken to treat GORD, the length of treatment is longer. A clinician will usually prescribe a higher dose of 40mg per day at the beginning of treatment to treat the effects of acid reflux. Once the throat and stomach have healed, the dose is likely to be reduced to 20mg per day to control the production of acid and prevent a recurrence of symptoms.
Pantoprazole is also suitable for those with existing liver problems, although it’s advised that the dose should be limited to 20mg per day.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to take Pantoprazole
Always take Pantoprazole exactly as your clinician tells you to. Taking Pantoprazole
Take the tablets one hour before a meal.
Swallow the tablets whole, don’t crush or chew them.
Take them with water.
Recommended doses To treat acid reflux and GORD
One 20mg tablet per day for 2-4 weeks.
After initial treatment, occasional recurring symptoms can be controlled by taking one 20mg tablet per day as required.
If symptoms persist, the daily dose can be increased to 40mg per day until the effects heal.
One 20mg tablet a day is then taken to control the acid reflux and prevent a recurrence of symptoms.
To prevent duodenal ulcers caused by NSAIDs
One 20mg tablet per day.
Patients with liver problems
Should not exceed one 20mg dose per day.
How long does it take Pantoprazole to work?
Pantoprazole is highly effective and starts to offer relief after a single dose as it takes less than three hours for it to fully reach the bloodstream. The usual course of treatment lasts four weeks, and over 98% of people experience significant relief from symptoms in this time .
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Pantoprazole?
If you forget to take a dose of Pantoprazole, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the one you missed and continue as normal. Never take a double dose of Pantoprazole. If you take too much Pantoprazole seek urgent medical assistance.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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FAQ: Pantoprazole
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How is Pantoprazole different to other treatments for GORD?
Answer:
There are a few different options when it comes to treating GORD. There are some treatments that are available without prescription. Antacids, like Tums and Gaviscon liquid, neutralize stomach acid and can be bought over the counter. H2-receptor antagonists, like Cimetidine, block the effects of histamine in the stomach to reduce acid.
Pantoprazole directly targets acid production by inhibiting the work of the proton pumps. There are other branded medicines that work in this way including Pantoloc. Being a generic medication means that Pantoprazole is likely to be more cost effective than expensive branded versions.
How effective is Pantoprazole?
Answer:
Pantoprazole is very effective at treating acid reflux and GORD because it addresses the root of the problem, and in doing so allows the body to recover from their effects.
Ninety eight percent of people see results after a single four week course of treatment. In more severe cases it can take longer for Pantoprazole to have its maximum effect. In this case 93% of people with more severe symptoms found Pantoprazole worked after they’d taken it for eight weeks .
Which dose of Pantoprazole should I use?
Answer:
The dose you take will depend on the nature and severity of your symptoms. For example the dose taken for prevention of peptic ulcers differs from that taken for acid reflux. Similarly, the dose taken for a single occurrence of acid reflux will be different to that taken for GORD.
Typically, a single four week dose of one 20mg tablet a day is enough to treat acid reflux and give the stomach and throat time to heal. In more severe cases treatment might stretch to eight weeks, and sometimes beyond that.
As you work through your treatment plan, your clinician will monitor your progress and may suggest increases in dosage where necessary.
Do I need a prescription for Pantoprazole?
Answer:
Pantoprazole is only available on prescription because its use needs to be monitored by a clinician. It’s important that the clinician prescribing your treatment has a detailed picture of your symptoms and experience before creating a treatment plan.
Why should I buy Pantoprazole online with Treated?
Answer:
Treated makes getting the treatment you need easy and cost effective.
Our clinicians are on hand to discuss your symptoms and medical history to ensure that your treatment plan is right for you. We’re also here to monitor your treatment so that you feel its full benefit.
At Treated we take care of your prescription for you and then deliver your medication to your door at a time to suit you.
Our simple subscription service allows you to set up a recurring order so that you won’t run out of the treatment that you need. You can also pause and cancel at any time.
Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of pantoprazole in the treatment and symptom relief of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease – PAN-STAR. Przegla̜d Gastroenterologiczny, pp.6–15.
Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of pantoprazole in the treatment and symptom relief of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease – PAN-STAR. Przegla̜d Gastroenterologiczny, 13(1), pp.6–15.
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