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Protonix was approved by the FDA in 2000 for short-term treatment in patients with acid reflux disease, or GERD, ulcers caused by acid reflux, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which occurs when the body secretes too much stomach acid. Short-term treatment means less than eight weeks.
Protonix is designed to lower the levels of acid in the person’s stomach, making it less likely that acid will flow into the esophagus and cause heartburn and ulcers.
What are some important things I should know about Protonix?
Because Protonix decreases the level of acid inside the stomach, Protonix can cause other medications to be absorbed improperly. With some medications, Protonix causes them to be absorbed at a decreased rate, resulting in the patient receiving an inadequate amount of medication. With other drugs, Protonix can make the body absorb the medication too quickly, resulting in a medication overdose. Either way, these effects can be very dangerous and life threatening. Patients should be especially cautious with drugs like ketoconazole, ampicillin esters and iron salts. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medication you are taking.
Protonix is for people with acid reflux disease, ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, in which the body secretes too much stomach acid. These conditions cause heartburn and indigestion. Protonix is for short-term treatment (less than eight weeks) of these conditions.
Protonix may cause serious injury or death to an unborn or nursing baby if the mother takes Protonix while pregnant or nursing. Protonix should only be used if it is clearly needed.
Allergic reactions and dangerous drug interactions can occur when taking Protonix. Make sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have, especially if you are allergic to penicillin, and about any other medication you are taking.
You should contact your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should also contact your doctor if you experience an allergic reaction, which is characterized by:
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face, neck, tongue or mouth
- wheezing
- rash
- hives