Pantoprazole Side Effects
Pantoprazole is a medication used to treat esophageal damage from acid-related diseases such as acid reflux and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a condition of ulcers in the stomach and small intestine). Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of stomach acid produced.
Pantoprazole is a medication used to treat esophageal damage from acid-related diseases such as acid reflux and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a condition of ulcers in the stomach and small intestine). Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of stomach acid produced. This medication is available as an enteric-coated tablet and through intravenous (through your vein) injection. Typically, you will receive 20 to 40 milligrams of pantoprazole daily.
Common Side Effects
In a clinical trial study of 836 patients receiving pantoprazole worldwide, the National Library of Medicine reports that greater than 1 percent of the studied population experienced a headache, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, trouble sleeping and rhinitis (allergy symptoms such as a runny nose and itchy eyes). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that pantoprazole can also cause flatulence (gas) and bloating. These symptoms are typically mild and should go away within two to three days. Call your doctor if they continue to remain after three days.
Avoid chronic pantoprazole use. This medication may prevent your body from absorbing vitamin B12 from your consumed foods. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include weakness, paleness, fatigue, trouble breathing and tachycardia (fast heartbeat), Drugs.com reports.
Harmful Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, pantoprazole can cause rectal bleeding, pain in your back and chest, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels), dizziness and bronchitis (respiratory infection). It can also cause an increased cough, a urinary tract infection and a rash. In the same study, these symptoms occurred in greater than 1 percent of the 836 patients studied. Call your doctor when these side effects appear.
Rare Side Effects
In the same controlled study, the National Library of Medicine says that fewer than 1 percent of patients developed an allergic reaction, chills, whole-body edema (swelling), a heat stroke and neoplasm (potentially cancerous tumor). Pantoprazole can also cause irregular heart rhythms, low or high blood pressure, hemorrhage (bleeding), syncope (fainting) and a fast heart rate (tachycardia). Pantoprazole can also irritate your digestive system and cause esophageal bleeding, gastrointestinal carcinoma (stomach or intestinal cancer), rectal hemorrhage and ulcerative colitis (a form of inflammatory bowel disease). Other rare side effects include diabetes, goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland), bruising, leukopenia (low white cell count), anemia (low red blood cell count), nose bleeds, trouble hearing or seeing, a heart attack and light sensitivity.
Additional Concerns
Pantoprazole can contaminate your breast milk and harm your child. Notify your doctor if you are breastfeeding, and she will find a better anti-acid medication to treat your symptoms.
Tell your doctor if you are taking ampicillin, warfarin, clopidogrel, iron or ketoconazole. Pantoprazole can combine with these medications and lead to the aforementioned side effects.