Pantoprazole ๐
๐ About
Always check the BNF link here for the most up-to-date guidance.
Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used in the management of peptic ulcer disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux, oesophagitis, and in acute upper GI bleeding.
โ๏ธ Mode of Action
- ๐ Irreversibly inhibits the gastric Hโบ/Kโบ ATPase (proton pump) in parietal cells.
- โฌ๏ธ Suppresses both basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion.
- Provides prolonged acid suppression compared to Hโ receptor antagonists.
๐ Indications / Dose
- Upper GI bleed ๐ฉธ: 80 mg IV over 1 hour, then 8 mg/hour IV infusion for 72 hours in glucose 5% or 0.9% NaCl โ reduces rebleeding rate.
- Peptic ulcer disease / GORD / oesophagitis ๐ซ:
- Oral: 20โ40 mg once daily (max 80 mg/day).
- IV: 40 mg slow IV once daily (if oral route not possible).
- NSAID-associated ulcer prophylaxis ๐: 20โ40 mg once daily.
๐ Interactions
- โ ๏ธ PPIs may reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel (due to CYP2C19 inhibition).
- May increase serum levels of drugs dependent on gastric pH for absorption (e.g., ketoconazole, atazanavir).
โ ๏ธ Cautions
- ๐ฉบ Use with care in liver disease (dose adjustment may be required).
- ๐ฆด Long-term use: risk of osteoporosis-related fractures, hypomagnesaemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency.
- ๐ฆ May increase risk of GI infections (e.g., C. difficile).
โ Contraindications
- ๐ซ Hypersensitivity to pantoprazole or other PPIs.
- ๐ See BNF for full details.
๐ฌ Side Effects
- ๐คข GI: Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting.
- ๐ค CNS: Headache, dizziness.
- ๐ฆ Infections: Risk of pneumonia and C. difficile diarrhoea with prolonged use.
- ๐ฆด Long-term: Bone fractures, hypomagnesaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency.
๐ References
๐ Revisions