Reviewed by Virginia Chachati MPharm
(2013, University College London)
GPhC Registration number: 2087654
Information last reviewed 28/02/21
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.
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).
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.
Taking pantoprazole for longer than three months can cause the amount of magnesium in your blood to drop. This can cause:
If you take pantoprazole for a year or more, you may experience the following side effects:
You should see your doctor regularly if you have been taking pantoprazole for this long.
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:
It's likely that your symptoms will be more noticeable after eating or when you lie down or bend over.
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 |
The active ingredient in pantoprazole tablets is pantoprazole sodium sesquihydrate.
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.
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.
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.
The dose prescribed will depend on what your symptoms are and why you are taking it.
Always take the dose that your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed to treat your symptoms.
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.
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.
The dose of pantoprazole prescribed will depend on what your symptoms are and why you are taking it. For example:
Always take the dose that your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed to treat your symptoms.
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.
Possible side effects of pantoprazole include:
Serious side effects ofpPantoprazole are rare and may include:
Seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Pantoprazole is not suitable for:
The following medicines may interact with pantoprazole:
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these before taking pantoprazole.
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.
You should not drink alcohol while you are taking pantoprazole. This is because alcohol can trigger acid reflux and irritate your stomach lining.
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.
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.
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.
There are several common factors that can cause acid reflux. These include:
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.
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.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about your pain symptoms if you want to take painkillers alongside pantoprazole.
There are lifestyle changes you can make to prevent acid reflux. These include:
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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