Pantoprazole

Buy pantoprazole online to help treat acid reflux

  • Reduces the amount of stomach acid you produce

  • Relieves symtpoms of acid reflux, heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

  • Available from £12.49 + prescription fees and delivery costs

Our prices

Strength Quantity Price Stock
20mg14 tablets£12.49In Stock
20 mg28 tablets£17.99In Stock
20mg56 tablets£24.99In Stock
40mg14 tablets£14.99In Stock
40mg28 tablets£19.99In Stock
40mg56 tablets£26.99In Stock
Prices exclude a prescription fee. This treatment requires a quick online consultation,
which a doctor will review to determine if a prescription is appropriate.

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Information

Virginia Chachati

Reviewed by Virginia Chachati MPharm
(2013, University College London)
GPhC Registration number: 2087654

Information last reviewed 28/02/21

About

What is pantoprazole?

Pantoprazole is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor. Pantoprazole helps decrease the amount of stomach acid you produce. It's used to treat acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), heartburn and stomach ulcers.

How does pantoprazole work?

Pantoprazole works by blocking proton pumps that line the wall of the stomach. This reduces acid production. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels back up the food pipe, causing a painful burning sensation known as heartburn. If this occurs more than twice a week, it's known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

How long does pantoprazole take to work?

If you have purchased 20 mg pantoprazole tablets over the counter at a pharmacy, you can take one tablet daily for up to two weeks. If you don't notice an improvement after this, speak to your doctor about your symptoms. If you have been prescribed pantoprazole, the usual treatment period for acid reflux and stomach ulcers is four to eight weeks.

Is pantoprazole safe for long term use?

Taking pantoprazole for longer than three months can cause the amount of magnesium in your blood to drop. This can cause:

  • Tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Shakiness
  • Muscle twitch
  • Irregular heartbeat

If you take pantoprazole for a year or more, you may experience the following side effects:

  • Bone fractures
  • Gut infections
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency

You should see your doctor regularly if you have been taking pantoprazole for this long.

What's the difference between acid reflux and heartburn?

Acid reflux is the overproduction of acid in the stomach. Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux. This happens when acid from the stomach flows back up the food pipe and you feel a burning sensation in your chest. Other symptoms of acid reflux may include:

  • Unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Persistent hiccups
  • Cough
  • Hoarse voice
  • Bad breath
  • Bloating
  • Nausea

It's likely that your symptoms will be more noticeable after eating or when you lie down or bend over. 

Pantoprazole summary

Dose

1 tablet once per day

Type of Medicine Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Mechanism

Blocks the final step in the production of acid, reducing the amount of acid in your body

Available Size

14, 28 or 56 tablets

Available Strengths

20mg or 40mg

Active Ingredient

Pantoprazole sodium sesquihydrate

Price

From 45p per tablet

Side Effects

Can include headache, nausea, vomiting, benign stomach polyps, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence, skin rash, hives, feeling weak or unwell, sleep disorders

Ingredients

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in pantoprazole tablets is pantoprazole sodium sesquihydrate.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients in the core of pantoprazole tablets are sodium carbonate (anhydrous), mannitol, crospovidone, povidone K90, calcium stearate.

Pantoprazole tablet coating: hypromellose, povidone K25, titanium dioxide (E171), yellow iron oxide (E172), propylene glycol, methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1), polysorbate 80, sodium laurilsulfate, triethyl citrate.

Please Note: Different generic brands of pantoprazole can contain different active or inactive ingredients than those listed here. Please read the patient information leaflet provided for further details.

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

Though it is uncommon, pantoprazole can cause a severe allergic reaction in rare cases. If you have previously taken pantoprazole in the past, and experienced a severe allergic reaction, please refrain from taking the medication again and let your doctor know. Facial/lip swelling, a rash/hives, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing are signs of a severe allergic reaction and requires emergency medical attention as soon as possible.

Dosage

How to take pantoprazole

Pantoprazole should be taken an hour before a meal, on an empty stomach. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Always take pantoprazole as your doctor has prescribed.

Pantoprazole dosage

The dose prescribed will depend on what your symptoms are and why you are taking it.

  • Acid reflux and heartburn: 20mg once a day
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease: 20-40mg a day
  • Stomach ulcers: 20-40mg a day
  • Zollinger- Ellison syndrome: 40-80mg a day

Always take the dose that your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed to treat your symptoms.

How long should I take pantoprazole for?

If you have purchased 20mg pantoprazole over-the-counter, take the medicine for 2 weeks. If you don't notice an improvement after this, see your doctor. If you have been prescribed pantoprazole, the usual treatment period for acid reflux and stomach ulcers is 4-8 weeks.

What should I do if I forget to take pantoprazole?

If you forget to take your scheduled dose of pantoprazole, then take it as soon as you remember. There is no need to take a missed dose at the same time as your next dose. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

What should I do if I take too much pantoprazole?

The dose of pantoprazole prescribed will depend on what your symptoms are and why you are taking it. For example:

  • Acid reflux and heartburn: 20 mg pantoprazole once a day
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease: 20 mg to 40 mg pantoprazole each day
  • Stomach ulcers: 20 mg to 40 mg pantoprazole each day
  • Zollinger- Ellison syndrome: 40 mg to 80 mg pantoprazole each day

Always take the dose that your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed to treat your symptoms.

Can you dissolve pantoprazole in water?

Pantoprazole tablets should be swallowed whole, they should not be chewed or crushed. You cannot dissolve pantoprazole tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing pantoprazole tablets, you can get liquid pantoprazole prescribed by your doctor instead.

Side Effects

Pantoprazole side effects

Possible side effects of pantoprazole include:

  • Benign polyps in the stomach
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Bloating
  • Flatulence
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain
  • Dry mouth
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Weakness
  • Exhaustion
  • Feeling unwell
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Fractured hip, wrist or spine  
  • Altered taste
  • Blurred vision
  • Muscle pain
  • Changes to weight
  • Fever
  • Depression
  • Disorientation

Serious side effects ofpPantoprazole are rare and may include:

  • Joint pain with a red skin rash which may resemble sunburn
  • Worsening stomach pain, yellow skin and dark coloured urine
  • Pain during urination, difficulty urinating, pain in the lower back and swollen ankles

Seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

Contraindications

Pantoprazole is not suitable for:

  • Children under 12 years old
  • Pregnant women
  • People who are allergic to any of the ingredients
  • People with liver problems
  • People scheduled to have an endoscopy

Drug interactions

The following medicines may interact with pantoprazole:

  • The antifungals ketoconazole, itraconazole and posaconazole
  • Erlotinib
  • Warfarin
  • Phenprocoumon
  • HIV medications
  • Methotrexate
  • Fluvoxamine
  • Rifampicin
  • St John's wort

Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these before taking pantoprazole.

How to cope with pantoprazole side effects

Headaches in the first week of taking pantoprazole are usually temporary. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration causing a headache. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on a suitable painkiller if needed. Eat plain foods, like boiled rice, potatoes or pasta, if you feel sick or experience vomiting. Sip on water frequently to stay hydrated if you have an upset stomach or diarrhoea. For constipation, incorporate fibre rich foods into your daily meals.

Pantoprazole and alcohol

You should not drink alcohol while you are taking pantoprazole. This is because alcohol can trigger acid reflux and irritate your stomach lining.

Pantoprazole and pregnancy

Pantoprazole is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you experience acid reflux during this time, speak to your doctor or midwife who can recommend a safe treatment.

Can I drive while taking pantoprazole?  

If your vision or reflexes are affected, after you have taken pantoprazole, you should not drive until you feel better. Pantoprazole can cause dizziness, confusion or blurred vision in some people.

Treatment Options

Alternatives to pantoprazole

Other medicines that decrease stomach acid production include lansoprazole, omeprazole and esomeprazole. These are all proton pump inhibitors that work in the same way as pantoprazole. Antacids, such as Gaviscon and Rennies, are available over the counter in pharmacies. They provide quick relief from heartburn, but are not suitable for long term use. 

What causes acid reflux?

There are several common factors that can cause acid reflux. These include:

  • Alcohol
  • Coffee
  • Fatty and spicy foods
  • Acidic foods like citrus fruits and raw onion
  • Smoking
  • Being overweight
  • Stress
  • Pregnancy
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen
  • A hiatus hernia (this is where a part of your stomach moves up into your chest)

How can I prevent acid reflux?

You can prevent acid reflux by avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms, cutting down on caffeinated drinks and not smoking. Try not to eat too close to bedtime. Maintaining a healthy weight can also prevent acid reflux. Finding ways to manage your stress levels can help too.

Can I take pantoprazole with antacids?

Antacids can be taken alongside pantoprazole but not at the same time. Wait at least two hours before or after taking pantoprazole to take an antacid such as Gaviscon or Rennies.

Can I take pantoprazole with painkillers?

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about your pain symptoms if you want to take painkillers alongside pantoprazole.

Can lifestyle changes help?

There are lifestyle changes you can make to prevent acid reflux. These include:

  • Avoiding spicy, oily, acidic or fatty foods
  • Reducing your caffeine and alcohol consumption
  • Quitting smoking
  • Avoid eating at least two or three hours before going to bed
  • Don't lie down straight after eating
  • Positioning yourself so that your head and chest are propped up above your waist while you're sleeping

Q&A

Can I buy pantoprazole over the counter?

Pantoprazole 20 mg tablets are available to purchase over the counter at a pharmacy. If you don't notice an improvement in your symptoms after two weeks, then speak to your doctor.

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