Protonix is in a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Protonix is used to treat erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excess stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Protonix may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Protonix?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to Protonix. Before taking Protonix, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs.
Some conditions must be treated long-term with Protonix. The chronic use of Protonix has caused stomach cancer in animal studies, but it is not known if this medication would have the same effects in humans. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of developing stomach cancer.
Long-term treatment with Protonix may also make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B-12, resulting in a deficiency of this vitamin. Symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency may develop slowly and include pale skin, weakness, tired feeling, shortness of breath, and a fast heart rate. Talk with your doctor if you need long-term Protonix treatment and you have concerns about vitamin B-12 deficiency.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Protonix passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Protonix?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take Protonix with a full glass of water.
Protonix can be taken with or without food.
Do not crush, chew, or break an enteric-coated tablet. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating. Do not stop taking Protonix even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated. Store Protonix at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Protonix is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What are the possible side effects of Protonix?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
- nausea, vomiting;
- gas, stomach pain;
- diarrhea; or
- headache.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Protonix?
Before taking Protonix, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
- a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
- ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen);
- ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
- iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use lansoprazole, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs that can affect lansoprazole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
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