How it works

Protonix works by restricting the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This in turn provides relief from a variety of conditions.

Guidelines for Usage

Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.

Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.

Take care that you swallow the tablet whole without breaking, crushing or chewing it unless you have been advised accordingly.

Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.

NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.

Missed Dose

It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.

Do not panic if you have missed a dose.

Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.

How and where do i store Protonix

The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.

Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.

Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.

Safety Information/ Warning Precautions

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.

Ensure that you mention the following:

• Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
• All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
• Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
• Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
• Trouble or pain with swallowing;

This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.

To be avoided

You must avoid using Protonix if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like liver disease.

Using Alcohol

Protonix is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using the drug.

These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.

Are there any medical interactions

Protonix is known to interact with atazanavir (Reyataz); theophylline (such as Elixophyllin, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theobid, Theoclear, Theo-Dur, Uniphyl); digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen); ketoconazole (Nizoral); iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others); or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Additional Information

Protonix is known to cause an increased risk of bone fracture in the hip or waist.

If you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling, then seek emergency medical attention because heartburn is often considered to be the first symptom of a heart attack.

Information for Pregnant Women Protonix

The Drug is categorized under FDA pregnancy category B

Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication. Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.

Side Effects

Report the following side effects to your doctor only if they become bothersome or do not stop on their own

• Diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain; dizziness; or headache.

The following side effects require immediate medical attention. So report these to your doctor immediately.

• Allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).