Protochek 40 Tablet (Pantoprazole 40mg)

INTRODUCTION

PROTOCHEK 40MG contains Pantoprazole which belongs to the group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors. It is used to treat reflux oesophagitis (inflammation of oesophagus with regurgitation of stomach acid) in adults and in children aged 12 years or above. It is also used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison-Syndrome and other conditions where, too much acid are produced in the stomach in adults. It can also be used in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in adult patients with duodenal or stomach ulcers in combination with other antibiotics (eradication therapy).

Pantoprazole decreases stomach acid production by inhibiting the proton pump (H+ K+ ATPase). Along with this treatment, your doctor might recommend you, to take enough rest and drink plenty of fluids. Sticking to simple meals and avoiding rich or spicy food can also be beneficial. Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol during this therapy, as it may reduce the chances of healing and worsen the ulcers.

Always take this medicine as directed by your physician, because long-term use of pantoprazole may reduce your blood magnesium levels, affect liver function or increase the risk of bone fracture. To avoid this, regular monitoring of bone functions, liver enzymes and blood magnesium levels are required during the course of treatment. This medicine must be taken 1 hour before meals. The most common side effects of this medicine are vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. Contact your doctor if any of these symptoms bothers you. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any kidney or liver disease. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, consult your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

USES OF PROTOCHEK 40MG
Treats reflux oesophagitis in adults and in children aged 12 years or above
Treat stomach and duodenal ulcers in adults
Treats Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome in adults
Treats H. pylori infection in adult patients with duodenal or stomach ulcers in combination with other antibiotics (eradication therapy)

HOW PROTOCHEK 40MG WORKS

Following oral administration, pantoprazole binds to and irreversibly inhibits the enzyme called H+ K+ ATPase (proton pump) in the parietal cells of the stomach, which decreases gastric acid secretions.

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DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take PROTOCHEK 40MG as directed by your physician. It should be taken one hour before meals. Swallow the medicine as whole with a sip of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, weight and health condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF PROTOCHEK 40MG

SERIOUS
Serious allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of tongue and/or throat, difficulty in swallowing, hives (nettle rash), difficulties in breathing, allergic facial swelling, severe dizziness, fast heartbeat, heavy sweating)
Signs of liver or kidney damage (yellowing of skin or whites of eyes, fever, rash, painful urination, and lower back pain)
COMMON
Benign polyps in the stomach
Vomiting (dark coffee grounds in your vomit)
Blood in your stools
Looking pale or weak
Stomach pain
Chest pain
Diarrhea
RARE
Lack of sense of taste
Blurred vision
Joint pain or muscle pain
Changes in weight
High fever
Swelling of extremities
Depression
Breast enlargement in males

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Skin rash:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the skin. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly use moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If it does not get better, speak to your doctor.

Vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
PROTOCHEK 40MG should be used in pregnant women only if it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

BREASTFEEDING
PROTOCHEK 40MG can be excreted into the breast milk and so it is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by this medicine.

ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

KIDNEY
PROTOCHEK 40MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

LIVER
PROTOCHEK 40MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

ALLERGY
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Pantoprazole or any other similar proton pump inhibitors.

OTHERS

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you:

Have vitamin B12 deficiency
Have osteoporosis

Are going to have any specific blood test (Chromogranin A)

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Medicines used to treat fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole and posaconazole)
Medicines used to thin your blood (e.g. warfarin and phenprocoumon)
Medicines used to treat HIV-infection (e.g. atazanavir)
Corticosteroids (used to treat inflammation or allergies) e.g. prednisone, dexamethasone, beclomethasone
Erlotinib (used to treat cancer)
Methotrexate (used to treat cancer, psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis)
Fluvoxamine (used to treat depression and other psychiatric illness)
Rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis infection)
St John’s wort (used to treat depression)