Pantocid 80 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

PANTOCID 80 MG TABLET

Pantocid 80 mg Tablet is a medication prescribed to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd.

Name

• Common Name: Pantoprazole
• Brand Name: Pantocid 80 mg Tablet, Pantocid 80 Dual-Release Tablet

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Pantoprazole (80 mg) Pantoprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which work by blocking the proton pump in the stomach wall, thereby reducing stomach acid production.

Uses

Pantocid 80 mg Tablet is used to manage various acid-related conditions of the stomach and intestines, including:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A chronic digestive disorder causing frequent acid reflux, heartburn, and inflammation of the food pipe (erosive esophagitis).
• Peptic Ulcers: Painful sores in the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum.
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: A rare condition involving excessive stomach acid production due to tumors.
• Prevention of ulcers and acidity caused by the prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Duodenal and Gastric ulcers.
• Crohn's Disease-associated Ulcers.

Dosage and Administration

• Take Pantocid 80 mg Tablet as prescribed by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• It should be taken at least one hour before meals, preferably in the morning.
• If prescribed twice daily, take the second dose before dinner.
• The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the specific condition and response to the medicine.
• Not generally recommended for children below 5 years of age, or under 12 unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal pain or flatulence
• Dizziness
• Dryness of mouth
• Joint pain (arthralgia)

Serious or Long-Term Side Effects:

• Low magnesium levels (symptoms include tiredness, confusion, dizziness, shaky feeling, muscle twitches, irregular heartbeat).
• Increased risk of bone fractures with prolonged use (over one year) or higher doses.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency (can lead to anemia, characterized by tiredness, weakness, or pale skin).
• Increased risk of certain stomach infections.
• Lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition).
• Benign stomach polyps.

Precautions

• Do not take if you have a known allergy to pantoprazole or any other proton pump inhibitors.
• Inform your doctor if you have liver problems, kidney problems, a history of gastric cancer, or low magnesium/vitamin B12 levels.
• Long-term use may require monitoring of kidney function, liver function, and blood magnesium levels.
• Discuss preventive measures for bone loss (e.g., calcium and vitamin D supplements) with your doctor if long-term use is anticipated.
• This medicine may mask symptoms of gastric cancer; report any severe stomach pain or blood in stool immediately.
• Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as Pantocid 80 mg Tablet can interact with drugs like warfarin, ketoconazole, atazanavir, nelfinavir, rilpivirine, iron supplements, ampicillin, and methotrexate.
• It is generally advised to limit alcohol intake and avoid caffeinated beverages, spicy foods, and fatty meals, as these can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.
• Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Ensure it is stored at room temperature, ideally between 15-30°C or below 30°C.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about PANTOCID 80 MG TABLET (15 TAB) by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD., which contains the active ingredient Pantoprazole:

What is Pantocid 80 mg Tablet used for?

Pantocid 80 mg Tablet is primarily used to treat conditions involving excessive stomach acid. These include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its associated erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the food pipe), stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition where the stomach produces too much acid due to a tumor. It can also be used to prevent stomach ulcers caused by long-term use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

How does Pantocid 80 mg Tablet work?

Pantocid 80 mg Tablet works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Its active ingredient, Pantoprazole, belongs to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It specifically blocks the action of an enzyme system known as the H+/K+ ATPase, or gastric proton pump, located in the stomach lining. By irreversibly binding to this pump, it prevents the final step in gastric acid production, leading to a long-lasting reduction in stomach acidity.

What is the usual dosage for Pantocid 80 mg Tablet?

For conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the initial adult oral dosage is often 80 mg once a day, which can be adjusted depending on the patient's response, sometimes increasing to 40 mg twice daily or even up to 240 mg per day. It is typically advised to take the tablet whole, without crushing or chewing, about an hour before a meal. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment for your specific condition.

What are the possible side effects of Pantocid 80 mg Tablet?

Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, and joint pain. More serious, though less common, side effects can occur with long-term use, such as low magnesium levels (which can cause fatigue, confusion, muscle twitches, and irregular heartbeat), vitamin B12 deficiency, and an increased risk of bone fractures (especially in those over 50 or on high doses for over a year). If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Is Pantocid 80 mg Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

While studies suggest pantoprazole appears to be safe during pregnancy, it's always advisable to consult your doctor before taking Pantocid 80 mg Tablet if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Pantoprazole has been detected in breast milk, but there were no reported effects on breastfed infants. However, it's recommended to consult your physician before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

Can Pantocid 80 mg Tablet be taken with other medications?

Pantocid 80 mg Tablet can interact with certain other medications, potentially affecting their absorption or effectiveness due to changes in stomach acidity. It's particularly important to inform your doctor if you are taking:

• Anti-HIV medications such as nelfinavir or rilpivirine, as pantoprazole can decrease their absorption.
• Antifungals like ketoconazole or itraconazole, whose absorption might be reduced.
• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), as pantoprazole may increase their effects.
• Methotrexate, as co-administration can increase methotrexate levels and side effects.
• Other pH-sensitive drugs like ampicillin esters or iron salts. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking.

What precautions should be taken while using Pantocid 80 mg Tablet?

Inform your doctor if you have liver problems, low levels of magnesium, calcium, or vitamin B12, or a history of allergic reactions to similar medications. Long-term use (over 3 months) can lead to low magnesium levels, and prolonged use (over a year) may increase the risk of bone fractures and vitamin B12 deficiency. Pantocid can sometimes mask the symptoms of gastric cancer, so report any severe stomach pain or blood in stool to your doctor. It is generally not recommended for children under 5 years of age.

What happens if a dose of Pantocid 80 mg Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

How should Pantocid 80 mg Tablet be stored?

Pantocid 80 mg Tablet should be stored in a cool, dry place, typically at room temperature (between 15°C to 30°C or 20°C to 25°C), away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.