Pantoprazole is a drug that reduces acid secretion in the stomach. It is indicated in case of ulcer or GERD for example. What side effects? Is it dangerous ? Available with or without a prescription?
Pantoprazole is a active ingredient contained in several drugs such as Inipomp® or Eupantol® used for reduce the amount of gastric acid secreted by the stomach. Why take pantoprazole? How ? What are his Side effects ?
How does pantoprazole work?
Pantoprazole is an active substance Who decreases the secretion of gastric acids and thus makes it possible to fight the disorders related to the acidity of the stomach. “It’s a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)the proton pump being a molecule which secretes acidity at the gastric level“, explains Professor Sabine Roman, gastroenterologist at the Edouard Herriot hospital in Lyon.
In which medicines is pantoprazole found?
Pantoprazole is the name of the molecule. The generic drug is also called pantoprazole. Otherwise, the main drugs (Princeps) that use this molecule are:
What are its indications?
Pantoprazole is indicated for
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- I’peptic ulcer (in treatment and prevention)
- the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium responsible for the occurrence of gastric and duodenal ulcers. “For the record, its discovery by the two Australian researchers Robin Warren and Barry Marshall earned them the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2005“, says our interlocutor.
Pantaprazole is indicated either for the treatment of one of these diseases“either in prevention for the ulcer, for patients who are already taking treatment with aspirin or anti-inflammatories provided they have another risk factor (history of ulcers or age over 65)“, details the specialist.
When to take it?
“Normally, for optimal action, it is better to take it rather in the morning on an empty stomach before the meal. This allows better absorption and therefore possibly better efficiency.“, specifies Professor Roman.
What side effects?
Pantoprazole is a very well tolerated drug with few side effects. “Occasionally there may be headaches or diarrhea but this is uncommon. Rarer are the side effects such as certain digestive infections or malabsorption of calcium and iron, linked to the inhibition of acid secretion. Rare cases of allergic skin reactions have been observed as well as renal failure“.
Is it a dangerous drug?
No, “this drug has a very bad reputation while there is no proven excess risk“, warns Professor Roman. Pantaprazole therefore does not give cancer or Alzheimer’s disease or heart problems. “Nothing has been demonstrated in this direction.“, reassures the specialist.
Can it promote the development of cancer?
“No, these are drugs that have been around for a very long time so we have a lot of hindsight”, no increased risk of cancer is to be reported.
What precautions for use?
There is no particular interaction concern. If the patient has been taking pantoprazole for more than a year, if he already suffers from osteoporosis, it may be necessary to offer calcium supplementation to reduce the risk of hip fracture.
What contraindications?
No strong contraindication is to be reported that of a known allergy to drugs. Again, be careful and seek medical advice if you take pantoprazole while you are taking aspirin or anti-inflammatories.
Can it be purchased without a prescription?
Two medicines containing Pantoprazole are available over the counter:
Thanks to Pr Sabine Roman, gastroenterologist at the Edouard Herriot hospital in Lyon, deputy general secretary of the French National Society of Gastro-Enterology (SNFGE)