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Pantoprazole

Chinese name:

泮托拉唑

Reviewed by

Joseph Blais, Pharmacist

Expert Advisory Board Member

Last Updated: 2022-04-28

What is Pantoprazole for?

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor which suppresses the production of stomach acid by stopping the proton pump from working. It is therefore used for a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders including the following:

Helicobacter pylori eradication (in combination with antibiotics)
Benign gastric ulcer
Gastric ulcer
Duodenal ulcer
Prevention of NSAID-associated gastric ulcer / duodenal ulcer in patients with an increased risk of gastroduodenal complications who require continued NSAID treatment
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

How to use it?

For helicobacter pylori eradication (in combination with antibiotics)
40 mg twice daily.

For benign gastric ulcer
40 mg daily for 8 weeks. In severe cases, doses can be increased up to 80 mg daily.

For duodenal ulcer
40 mg daily for 4 weeks. In severe cases, doses can be increased up to 80 mg daily.

For prevention of NSAID-associated gastric ulcer / duodenal cancer in patients with an increased risk of gastroduodenal complications who require continued NSAID treatment
20 mg daily.

For gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
20-80 mg every morning for 4 weeks. If complete healing is not achieved, you may take for 4 weeks more. The maintenance dose is 20 mg daily. If symptoms recur, the maintenance dose can be increased to 40 mg daily.

For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Start with 80 mg daily. The maximum dose is 80 mg and you doctor may adjust according to your response.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

What are the side effects of Pantoprazole?

Common side effects of Pantoprazole include constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness and headache. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors can lead to Magnesium deficiency.

Who should not take Pantoprazole?

Anyone who has an allergy to Pantoprazole or any component of the product.

Pharmacist Tips:

There is a risk of developing Magnesium deficiency when taking Pantoprazole Magnesium deficiency can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms, tremors and loss of appetite. Magnesium supplementation can be taken if Magnesium deficiency occurs.
Pantoprazole tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not split, crush, or chew.

Common dosing schedule:
Pantoprazole may be taken with or without food.

If you mostly have nighttime symptoms while lying in bed, take this medication in the evening.

If you mostly have symptoms during the daytime with stress or meals, take this medication in the morning.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications pantoprazole may interact with:

Some medicines for cancer (EGFR inhibitors, e.g. Erlotinib, Gefitinib)
Some antifungal agents, e.g. Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Posaconazole

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy pantoprazole in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Pantoprazole is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Pantoprazole in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.

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