INTRODUCTION

PANTOCEN 40 contains Pantoprazole which is a proton-pump inhibitor. It is used to treat reflux esophagitis among adults and adolescents (12 years or above). Reflux esophagitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the esophagus along with sensation of movement of acid from stomach to esophagus (acid reflux). PANTOCEN 40 can also be used to treat peptic ulcer (painful sores in the gut) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (tumors in pancreas causing the stomach to secrete more acid) among adult patients. It is also used in combination with antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori infection among adult patients who have peptic ulcer.

Pantoprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor which works by lowering the amount of stomach acid and helps ulcers to heal and prevents acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, and regurgitation.

Take PANTOCEN 40 1 hour before a meal. It should be used with caution in pregnant and breast-feeding women only after the advice of your doctor. It is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age. Before taking PANTOCEN 40 inform your doctor about your past medical conditions such as osteoporosis, low magnesium levels in the blood. The side effects include headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and dizziness.

USES OF PANTOCEN 40

It is used:

• to treat reflux esophagitis among adults and adolescents (12 years or above)
• to treat peptic ulcer and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome among adult patients
• in combination with antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori infection among adult patients who have peptic ulcer

HOW PANTOCEN 40 WORKS

PANTOCEN 40 reduces peptic ulcer and other inflammatory stomach conditions, where pantoprazole acts by reducing the stomach acid secretion by directly inhibiting the proton pump (to H+/K+ ATPase) present in the stomach cells. Blockade of the proton pump can lead to prevention of acid secretion for up to 24 hours or longer, which helps in reducing further inflammation, and healing of ulcers and other lesions present in the stomach.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take PANTOCEN 40 1 hour before meals. Swallow this medicine as a whole and do not crush or chew the medicine. Do not stop taking PANTOCEN 40 without the advice of your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS OF PANTOCEN 40

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea and vomiting:

While taking this medicine stick to simple meal plans and do not eat oily, fried, or spicy foods.

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Apply a cold, wet cloth, or ice pack to your forehead. Rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.

Diarrhea:

Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices or electrolytes to avoid dehydration in your body.

Constipation:

Take fiber rich foods in your diet such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals, and drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly and stay active.

Bloating:

Try to increase your physical activity during daytime. Do not drink or limit the intake of carbonated drinks. Avoid eating foods which causes bloating such as beans, lentils, and others. Always eat smaller and frequent meals and chew your food properly while eating.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking PANTOCEN 40 inform to your doctor, if you are taking, 

• ketoconazole, itraconazole, and posaconazole (medicines used to treat fungal infections)
• erlotinib (used to treat certain types of cancer)
• atazanavir, rilpivirine (used to treat HIV infection)
• warfarin, phenprocoumon (used to prevent blood clot formation)
• methotrexate (used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and cancer)
• fluvoxamine (used to treat depression and other psychiatric diseases)
• rifampicin (used to treat infections)
• st. john’s wort (used to treat depression)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of PANTOCEN 40, consult your doctor immediately. Do not double the dose in case of missed doses. Always follow your dose schedule to avoid taking overdosage of medicine.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• keep PANTOCEN 40 out of reach of children
• Store at room temperature

FAQs ABOUT PANTOCEN 40

Is PANTOCEN 40 safe to use in pregnant women?

PANTOCEN 40 should be used with caution in pregnant women only the advice of your doctor. Your doctor will determine the potential benefit of the drug depending upon the condition.

How long I should take PANTOCEN 40?

You should take PANTOCEN 40 as per the advice of your doctor. You may start to feel better within 2 to 3 days after taking this medicine. Your doctor will decide the duration of treatment with PANTOCEN 40 depending upon condition. If your symptoms do not improve after completing the course of treatment (7-14 days) consult your doctor immediately.  

Does PANTOCEN 40 cause liver damage?

PANTOCEN 40 can increase the risk of liver damage with minor elevation of liver enzymes. PANTOCEN 40 is not recommended for use in patients with moderate or severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice. During treatment with this medicine your doctor may perform liver function tests to assess the risk.

When should I take PANTOCEN 40?

PANTOCEN 40 should be taken 1 hour before a meal, preferably in the morning. You may also be advised to take two times a day depending on severity of the ulcer.

What food should I avoid while taking PANTOCEN 40?

While taking PANTOCEN 40 avoid taking spicy, fried or oil rich foods and limit the intake of caffeine products such as coffee or tea and avoid drinking alcohol as it can worsen your stomach ulcer.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Gastrointestinal drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 653.

2. Paul W. Jungnickel. Pantoprazole: A new proton pump inhibitor. Clinical Therapeutics. ScienceDirect. November 2000. [Accessed 21st March 2022] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149291800830258     

3. Takeda. Efficacy of Pantoprazole in Patients Older Than 18 Years Who Have Symptoms of Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov. [Revised on May 2012] [Accessed 21st March 2022] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00163306

4. Takeda GmbH. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in February 2020] [Accessed 21st March 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.484.pdf

5. Takeda GmbH. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in June 2018] [Accessed 21st March 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020987s054,022020s016,020988s060lbl.pdf

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Endoscopy