This is the active ingredient in Pantozol
The active ingredient in Pantozol is called pantoprazole. It belongs to the group of selective proton pump inhibitors. This is a class of active ingredients that occupy acid-producing cells on the gastric mucosa and thus reduce gastric acid secretion. This protects the stomach and intestines from irritation.
When is Pantozol used?
The medicine is recommended:
- for heartburn, i.e. when excess stomach acid rises into the oesophagus, causing severe irritation and inflammation.
- for stomach ulcers (ulcus ventriculi)
- when taking painkillers
What are the side effects of Pantozol?
Pantozol can cause side effects. However, these occur with varying frequency.
The most common Pantozol side effects include gastrointestinal complaints such as flatulence, diarrhea, constipation or abdominal pain. Occasionally, nausea and vomiting may also occur.
Occasionally, allergic skin reactions are possible, which manifest themselves as itching, skin rashes and edema (water retention). Sleep disorders, headaches and dizziness are also known side effects of Pantozol.
Rarely, the bilirubin concentration (breakdown product of the red blood pigment) increases in the blood.
Muscle pain has also been described as a side effect of Pantozol.
You should be aware of the following when using Pantozol
Pantozol must not be taken:
- if you are known to be hypersensitive to the active substance or other components of the medicine
- if you are taking a medicine containing atazanavir at the same time (for the treatment of HIV infection)
- in combination with antibiotics if you have liver or kidney problems
- Children under the age of 18 should not take this medicine.
Special care should be taken when taking Pantozol if:
- liver function is impaired.
- it is taken over a longer period of time (more than1 year).
- a stomach bacterium (Helicobacter pylori) is to be completely removed, as the reduced amount of stomach acid caused by the active substance favors the growth of the bacteria.
- osteoporosis (bone loss)). The drug can increase the risk of fractures, especially of the vertebrae and wrist.
- the patient suffers from a vitamin B12 deficiency. This is because Pantozol can lead to vitamin B12 being absorbed more poorly by the body.
The medication is usually taken once a day. The use of the medication is not limited in time.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It is not known what effects Pantozol may have on the unborn child. The medicine should therefore not be taken during pregnancy. However, it is known that the drug can pass into breast milk. A doctor must decide whether treatment during breastfeeding makes sense for mother and child.
How to obtain Pantozol
With the exception of one pharmaceutical form, all Pantozol products require a prescription and are available in pharmacies. The product is available as enteric-coated tablets containing either 20 mg or 40 mg of the active ingredient. The lighter 20 mg tablet is also sold as Pantolzol-Control and is available over the counter.
Complete information on this medicine
Here you will find the complete information on the medication as a download (PDF)
