Foods to avoid when taking pantoprazole

Pantoprazole reduces the acid your stomach makes, so it helps treat issues like acid reflux, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Certain foods can trigger or worsen symptoms of acid reflux. So, while there are no particular dietary restrictions when taking pantoprazole, it’s best to avoid certain foods that can increase stomach acid and worsen your symptoms.

Diet and pantoprazole 

In the United States, around 28% of people have GERD, which is a more severe form of acid reflux. Treatment for acid reflux includes prescription medications like pantoprazole (Protonix) and lifestyle measures such as making some changes to your diet. 

Pantoprazole is a type of medication called a proton pump inhibitor, and it works by reducing the amount of stomach acid. This way, it can relieve the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. Pantoprazole, which comes in tablet and liquid form, is sold as a generic or under the brand name Protonix.  

Although there are no particular dietary restrictions when taking pantoprazole, it helps to avoid eating foods that may irritate your stomach and increase stomach acid. It also helps to eat foods that reduce acid, like vegetables, oatmeal, and whole grains. 

In fact, diet is a key part of treatment for people with GERD and acid reflux. Research from 2019 concluded that dietary strategies that include less sugar and more fiber and other lifestyle practices comprise a central part of an acid reflux treatment plan. 

A 2021 study found that those with GERD who took medications, including proton pump inhibitors, and practiced diet and eating strategies along with lifestyle changes saw a greater improvement in their symptoms than participants who only took medication.    

Foods to avoid

There are no known interactions between pantoprazole and food. But it’s best to avoid foods that can irritate your stomach and worsen your acid reflux symptoms. Some of these foods include:

• fried and fatty foods, like french fries and potato chips
• spicy foods
• onions
• sugary foods
• acidic foods, like citrus fruits and tomatoes
• tea
• carbonated beverages 
• chocolate

These foods may trigger acid reflux.

Other medications

If pantoprazole is not suitable for you, other over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can help with acid reflux and GERD symptoms. These include:

• Other PPIs: Alternative PPIs like esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec), and rabeprazole (AcipHex) can also help reduce the amount of stomach acid. 
• Antacids: OTC antacids, such as Maalox, Tums, and Mylanta, can help relieve symptoms of heartburn, but these aren’t suitable for daily use.
• H2 blockers: H2 blockers also lower the amount of acid your stomach produces. Some options include famotidine (Pepcid) and cimetidine (Tagamet).
• Prokinetics: These can help manage acid reflux by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter. Some prokinetics include cisapride (Propulsid) and metoclopramide (Reglan).
• Potassium competitive acid blocker: In November 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first new GERD medication in 30 years. Vonoprazan (Voquezna) blocks the secretion of stomach acid.

Depending on the severity of your condition, a healthcare professional may recommend a type of surgery called fundoplication. This procedure involves sewing the top of your stomach around the end of the esophagus. Other surgical options include bariatric surgery and endoscopy.

Lifestyle strategies are just as important — if not more — as medications and medical procedures in managing symptoms of acid reflux. Some lifestyle practices include:

• following a balanced diet
• eating smaller meals
• keeping a moderate weight 
• exercising regularly, about 30 minutes a day for 5 days per week
• avoiding smoking, if you smoke 
• avoiding alcohol, if you drink
• elevating your head slightly when you lie down
• chewing gum after meals
• reducing stress and anxiety with meditation and yoga

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

Summary

Pantoprazole is a medication to help treat acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD.

Pantoprazole (Protonix) helps reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. Pantoprazole doesn’t have any interactions with any specific foods. However, it’s best to avoid foods that trigger acid reflux or increased stomach acid while taking this medication. 

Food and beverages to avoid while taking pantoprazole include spicy foods, fried and fatty foods, acidic foods, alcohol, coffee, and chocolate.

It’s important to keep in mind that lifestyle measures — including diet — are just as important as medications to manage the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. Some lifestyle practices include eating a balanced diet, exercising, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. 

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.