Pantoprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It is used for short-term treatment of heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus) caused by backward flow of acid from the stomach. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach. This medicine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Pantoprazole comes as an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablets; swallow them whole. Pantoprazole is usually taken for 8 weeks, but your doctor may want you to take it for another 8 weeks if your esophagus has not healed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pantoprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Symptoms of heartburn and injury to the esophagus should improve within 8 weeks of beginning pantoprazole. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, call your doctor. Once you and your doctor are sure the drug works for you, continue to take pantoprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking pantoprazole without talking to your doctor.

Although side effects from pantoprazole are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

Pantoprazole may cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). If you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia, call your doctor immediately:

* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, or any other drugs.

* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially ampicillin, iron-containing medications (including multivitamins), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and vitamins and herbal products.

* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.

* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking pantoprazole, call your doctor.

* If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking pantoprazole.

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: diazepam, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), ampicillin, iron supplements, sucralfate, cilostazol. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.