About Pantop 40 Tablet
Pantop 40 Tablet contains Pantoprazole 40 mg. Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that lowers the amount of acid made in the stomach. It is used to treat heartburn, acid reflux and stomach or duodenal ulcers. It is usually taken once a day, before a meal.
Uses of Pantop 40 Tablet
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn
- Stomach and duodenal ulcers
- Prevention of stomach ulcers in people taking NSAID painkillers
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a condition causing too much stomach acid)
- With antibiotics, to treat H. pylori stomach infection
Benefits
In acid reflux and heartburn
It reduces acid, which eases burning chest pain and lets the irritated food pipe heal.
In ulcers
Lowering acid helps ulcers heal and reduces the chance of them coming back while you take it.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Gas
Get medical help if you notice
- Severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea — contact your doctor
- Muscle cramps, shaking, fits or irregular heartbeat (signs of low magnesium with long use) — contact your doctor
- Passing less urine, fever, rash or joint pain (possible kidney inflammation) — contact your doctor
- Rash on sun-exposed skin with joint pain — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually once a day before a meal (often before breakfast). Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew or break it.
How it works
It blocks the proton pumps in the stomach lining that release acid, so less acid is produced.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
No direct interaction is known, but alcohol irritates the stomach and can make acidity worse.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It passes into breast milk in small amounts. Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect driving. Do not drive if you feel dizzy or have blurred vision.
Kidney Safe
No dose change is usually needed in kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Your doctor may limit the dose if you have severe liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it before a meal for the best effect.
- Do not use it for longer than your doctor advises; long-term use needs regular review.
- See your doctor if you have trouble swallowing, weight loss, vomiting blood or black stools.
- Eating smaller meals and avoiding late-night meals can help reflux.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Benzimidazole derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Gastrointestinal / acid control
- Action class
- Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Some HIV medicines, such as atazanavir and rilpivirine | Their absorption may be greatly reduced; avoid together |
| Methotrexate (high doses) | Methotrexate levels may rise |
| Blood thinners such as warfarin | Blood clotting tests may change and need checking |
| Ketoconazole, itraconazole and iron tablets | Less may be absorbed because there is less stomach acid |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Pantoprazole prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA pantoprazole labelling; NICE BNF: pantoprazole). Pharmacist review pending.