Pantoprazole injection is used in the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, in which the backward reflux of stomach acid causes heartburn or injury to the esophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach). Various underlying disease can trigger this acid reflux like stomach ulcers or Zollinger Acid Syndrome in which tumors in the pancreas and small intestines causes excess secretion of stomach acid. Patients who are unable to consume Pantoprazole orally are injected with the medicine. Pantoprazole comes under a class of medicines called proton-pump inhibitor that reduces the secretion of stomach acid.
Pantoprazole injection comes in a powdered form, which is mixed with a liquid to be intravenously injected by a medical practitioner. The dosage of pantoprazole usually depends on the treatment and target illness. For the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), it is injected once a day for 7 to 10 days. In extreme conditions where stomach acid is secreted way too much, pantoprazole is administered within 8 to 12 hours. Along with this medication, certain lifestyle changes also help in mitigating the release of stomach acid. Avoiding processed or junk food, and losing weight are a few lifestyle changes that help in alleviating the excess secretion of stomach acid. Let’s look at the risk factors, side effects, and precautions related to the use of Pantoprazole.
Possible Risk Factors in the usage of Pantoprazole Injection
Pantoprazole is ready to use the drug to decrease the secretion of stomach acid. Though, it is safe to use there are a few risk factors where extra caution is required. Everyone who falls under one or more risk factors should take extra precautions when injected with Pantoprazole. Let’s discuss each risk factor connected to the use of Pantoprazole injection:
1. Pregnancy Several studies have shown that Pantoprazole should not be taken during pregnancy. Though there is no substantial research on human pregnancy, animals have shown ill effects when administered with Pantoprazole during pregnancy. However, you should consult your physician to help you weigh out the risk involved.
2. Alcohol Consumption If you consume alcohol regularly or even at irregular intervals of time. You shouldn’t move ahead with having your doctor’s consultation.
3. Effect on Liver – Pantoprazole injection should not be taken if you have any issues in your liver. Consult your doctor before taking the injection and only follow the dosage prescribed by him.
4. Driving – If you notice any difference in your health after taking the Pantoprazole injection. Avoid driving for a while and consult your doctor if the problem persists.
Side effects of Pantoprazole injection
Pantoprazole injection can have moderate to serious side effects depending upon the patient. Some of the prominent side effects noticed by its users are:
- Pain in the abdomen or blood in the stool.
- Severe Diarrhea with watery stool.
- Stomach pain or fever
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Increased or decreased urination.
- Blood in the urine.
- Flu-like symptoms.
- Redness, swelling, or itching on the skin.
- Sudden fluctuation in heartbeat.
- Severe joint pain.
Precautions when taking Pantoprazole injection
There are numerous side effects of Pantoprazole injection, thus a patient needs to be extra careful when taking pantoprazole. The list of precautions is given below:
1. Consult your doctor if you have a medical history of osteoporosis (thinning of bones) as pantoprazole influences the level of these minerals in the body.
2. Inform your doctor beforehand if you are allergic to pantoprazole, dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium, in Vimovo), lansoprazole, or any other medication.
3. If you are planning to get pregnant or are currently breastfeeding, consult your doctor and discuss the benefits and scope of the side effects of using pantoprazole.
4. Inform your doctor of all lifestyle changes, herbal medicines, and other medications you are currently on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Pantoprazole safe for children?
No, Pantoprazole should not be given to any child younger than 5 years old.
2. Can Pantoprazole be taken along as an antacid?
Yes, pantoprazole can be taken with an antacid. Only, try to maintain a gap of a minimum of 2 hours between their consumption.
3. How much time does Pantoprazole take to show the result?
The result starts showing within 2 to 3 days. However, total relief can only be felt after 4 weeks.
