This article describes pantoprazole delayed-release* oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on savings and coupon options for pantoprazole. If you want to know more about pantoprazole, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Protonix. Pantoprazole also comes in injectable forms and other forms taken by mouth, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.
* Delayed release means the drug is released into your body slowly over time.
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Form and strengths of pantoprazole
Pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: oral delayed-release tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 20 milligrams (mg), 40 mg
Dosage of pantoprazole
This article describes the recommended dosages for pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of pantoprazole in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a dosage of pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet based on the condition it’s being used to treat. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of this medication that gives the desired outcome.
The table below outlines the drugmaker’s recommended dosages based on the condition for which this medication is prescribed.
| Condition | Recommended dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| erosive esophagitis related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | 40 mg | once per day for up to 8 weeks |
| damage to the esophagus caused by erosive esophagitis | 40 mg | once per day |
| Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | 40 mg | twice per day |
Dosages of pantoprazole in children
Pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet is used to treat erosive esophagitis related to GERD in children 5 years and older who weigh at least 15 kilograms (kg) — about 33 pounds (lb).
For children, dosing is based on weight. The table below outlines the drugmaker’s recommended dosages based on body weight in kg. For reference, 1 kg is equal to about 2.2 lb.
| Body weight in kg | Approximate body weight in lb | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 15 kg to less than 40 kg | 33 lb to less than 88 lb | 20 mg once per day for up to 8 weeks |
| 40 kg or more | 88 pounds or more | 40 mg once per day for up to 8 weeks |
Dosage adjustments for pantoprazole
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of pantoprazole
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of this drug and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet and its dosage.
What is the best time of day to take pantoprazole?
There isn’t a best time of day to take pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet. You can take it at any time of the day. However, you should try to take it at around the same time each day for the drug to work most effectively.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about what time of the day may be best for you to take this drug.
Do I need to take my dose of pantoprazole before or after food?
No, you don’t need to take pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet before or after food. It can be taken anytime, with or without food. However, you should try to take it around the same time each day. Doing so may help the medication work more effectively in your body.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about taking this drug with food.
Is pantoprazole taken long term?
Pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet may be taken long term or short term, depending on the condition it’s being used to treat. The drug maker’s recommendation is to take pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet for up to 8 weeks. Clinical studies haven’t exceeded 12 weeks of pantoprazole usage.
If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, your doctor will recommend the right duration for you.
If you have questions about how long you should take this drug, talk with your doctor.
How pantoprazole is taken
You’ll swallow pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet once or twice per day, depending on the condition it’s being used to treat. You can take it with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Pantoprazole delayed-release oral tablet should be swallowed whole. It should not be split, crushed, or chewed.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Pantoprazole coupon
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Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
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