Pantocid 20 mg is used in conditions when an excess of gastric acid leads to acid reflux, erosion of the esophagus lining and heartburn. It helps heal the oesophagus and stomach lining, prevent ulcer formation and cancer of the esophagus. This medicine can be used in the treatment of ulcerations and their maintenance. Pantocid has Pantoprazole which may be prescribed along with antibiotics for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections. The drug may be used to treat ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that irritate the gastric lining. It belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors.

For treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric ulcers, and maintenance of erosive esophagitis, a single dose of 40 mg a day for eight weeks is recommended. For duodenal ulcers, 40-120 mg per day for twelve weeks is recommended. For Helicobacter pylori infection-induced ulcers, a dose of 40 mg twice a day (with appropriate antibiotics) for one week is recommended. For patients suffering from Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, 40-240 mg per day is recommended. Please consult your doctor regarding the cause of ulcers/reflux to determine the dosage required. Do not stop taking the medication until the prescribed regimen is complete. You may experience relief after taking the drug, but do not stop its usage abruptly.

Do not take this medicine if you are taking antivirals, such as atazanavir and nelfinavir. If you are allergic to this class of drugs, do not take this medication. If you have liver disease, low serum magnesium, osteoporosis, or osteopenia, do not take this drug. Pantocid may increase susceptibility to fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine. Do not use this medication in children younger than five years. Pantoprazole 20 should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women. Long-term treatment with this drug may cause vitamin B12 deficiency, atrophic gastritis, and low magnesium levels. Your doctor may routinely carry out tests for vitamin B12 and magnesium levels to ensure the drug is not affecting their metabolism. This drug interferes with calcium absorption in bones. During long-term treatment, susceptibility to fractures may increase. The consumption of Pantoprazole can lead to false positive in the urine test. The acidic pH of the stomach plays an important role in preventing pathogens from causing diseases. This drug changes gastric pH and may make patients susceptible to pneumonia. This drug should not be used for immediate relief of heartburns.

Pantocid interferes absorption of certain drugs as it raises the pH of the stomach. These include ampicillin, ketoconazole, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, warfarin, atazanavir, nelfinavir, and iron-containing medicines ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, etc.

Common side effects of Panticid 20 mg may include a headache, fever, cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea or joint pain. Severe side effects include diarrhea, seizures (convulsions), blood in your urine, constipation, rashes, joint pain, dizziness, blistering or peeling of the skin, and weight gain. Symptoms of low magnesium include dizziness, confusion, abnormal heart rate, tremors, muscle cramps and spasms, and a choking feeling. Seek immediate medical help if any of these effects occur.