Pantoprazole

Order Pantoprazole Tablets Online

Written by Clinical Pharmacist Hywel McGlinchy

Pantoprazole is available from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. It is a prescription-only medicine and you will need to complete an online medical assessment as part of your order.  

Our doctors will then review your assessment and make sure it is safe and suitable to prescribe for you. If approved, our pharmacy team will dispense and dispatch the medication to your address. You can speak to our friendly customer service team if you have any questions.

What Is Pantoprazole?

Pantoprazole is a medicine that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. It can be used to treat a number of conditions including H.Pylori infection, stomach ulcers and oesophagitis. It is also used to treat acid reflux and indigestion symptoms. It can also treat long term acid reflux - called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

It is a type of medicine known as a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). These are a commonly used group of medicines. Other PPIs include omeprazole and lansoprazole.

How Does Pantoprazole Work?

Acid reflux is caused by acid travelling from the stomach up towards the throat and mouth. This can cause a range of symptoms such as heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, bloating, and a cough or hiccups.

Proton pumps in the lining of the stomach help to produce stomach acid. Pantoprazole works to stop the proton pumps from producing acid, which reduces the amount of acid produced in your stomach. This helps to improve acid reflux and its associated symptoms.

Pantoprazole Dosage

You should take Pantoprazole exactly as your doctor has told you to. The usual dose for acid reflux is Pantoprazole 20 mg orally once a day. Depending on the severity and length of your symptoms, your doctor may advise you to take 40 mg orally once a day. It is usually a short term treatment for 4 - 8 weeks when symptoms flare up.

If you take Pantoprazole long term, when you stop taking it you should gradually decrease the amount you take. If you stop it suddenly it can cause acid production in the stomach to rebound and may flare up symptoms.

Two strengths are available (Pantoprazole 20 mg and Pantoprazole 40 mg) online.

Pantoprazole Summary

Pantoprazole Alternatives

Pantoprazole is one of a number of PPIs. Other PPIs include esomeprazole, omeprazole and lansoprazole. They are all similar and work in a similar way. One may be more effective for one person than another. If you find Pantoprazole is not effective for you, speak to your GP who may prescribe you a different PPI to see if it is effective.

Other medicines used to treat acid reflux symptoms are liquids like Gaviscon and Peptac, and Rennie chewable tablets. These work in a different way to Pantoprazole but are effective treatments for acid reflux. They are available to buy over the counter without a prescription.
Apart from medication, lifestyle changes can help to improve acid reflux symptoms. This includes simple changes such as eating smaller, but more frequent meals, and not eating within 4 hours of going to bed. See the NHS page on acid reflux for further advice.

What is Pantoprazole used for?

Pantoprazole is used to treat a number of conditions such as oesophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and acid reflux. It can also be used to treat stomach ulcers and H.Pylori infections.

How long before Pantoprazole works?

You should notice an improvement in your acid reflux symptoms within a few days. However, it can take up to 4 weeks for Pantoprazole to have a full effect.

What is the best time of day to take Pantoprazole?

If you’ve been prescribed to take it once a day, usually you should take it in the morning. However, it will still be effective if you take it at a different time of day. If you have been prescribed to take it twice a day, you should take one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening.

Can Pantoprazole cause weight gain?

Weight changes are listed as a rare side effect of Pantoprazole. This means that up to 1 in 1000 people who take it may experience weight changes as a side effect.

What is the difference between Omeprazole and Pantoprazole?

Omeprazole and Pantoprazole are similar drugs and both are types of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The chemical structure of the drugs are slightly different but they both work to reduce acid production in the stomach. Some people may find one is more effective for them than the other. Your doctor may prescribe a different PPI if you find Pantoprazole is not effective for you. 

Can you buy Pantoprazole over the counter in the UK?

Pantoprazole in the UK is not available over the counter, it needs to be prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional. Another type of PPI called Esomeprazole is available over the counter under the brand name Nexium Control.

You can request to order Pantoprazole online from our UK registered online doctor and pharmacy service. As part of your order, you must complete an online consultation. This helps our doctors decide whether Pantoprazole is safe and suitable for you to take.

Content Reviewed: 19/01/2021

Pantoprazole Side Effects

Some common side effects of Pantoprazole include stomach pain, diarrhoea or constipation, nausea or vomiting, and headaches. Another common side effect is benign polyps in the stomach. You should report any side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects are far rarer. Seek medical attention immediately if you get joint pain and a red skin rash while taking Pantoprazole, signs of liver problems, or signs of a kidney problem (e.g. pain when you pee, lower back pain). Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.

Before taking Pantoprazole or any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet.

• Pantoprazole Patient Information Leaflet

Other Conditions And Pantoprazole

You should not take Pantoprazole if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past, or to any of the ingredients listed in the tablets. People who have had an allergic reaction to other proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole) should also avoid Pantoprazole. 

Pantoprazole may not be suitable for people with certain conditions. This includes people with liver problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, osteoporosis, and people taking anti-HIV medicines.

If you notice other symptoms that accompany your acid reflux, you should speak to your doctor for further investigation. This includes unintentional weight loss, frequent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and blood in your stool.

See the patient information leaflet for further information.

Interactions With Other Medicines

Some prescription drugs may interact with Pantoprazole. Call your doctor or pharmacist before taking Pantoprazole if you take any of the following:

• Medication to treat HIV
• Warfarin
• Methotrexate
• Rifampicin
• Anti-fungal medication such as itraconazole and ketoconazole

This is not a full list of drug interactions. For further information, see the patient information leaflet.