The Effects & Side Effects of Pantoprazole Sodium 40 Mg

Pantoprazole, belongs to a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors. According to the National Institutes of Health, pantoprazole is used to heal and prevent erosive esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus caused by the gastroesophageal reflux disease. Pantaprazole may also be used to treat duodenal ulcers, stomach ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Pantoprazole, like other medications, has side effects.
Hematologic Effects
According to Drugs.com, pantoprazole may affect the hematological system and lead to anemia, low white blood cells, decreased platelets and increased eosinophils.
Dermatologic Effects
According to Drugs.com, pantoprazole may affect the skin and cause acne, alopecia, contact dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, rash, itching and sweating.
Ocular Effects
High doses of pantoprazole may affect the eyes and cause double vision, cataracts, glaucoma and blurred vision, according to Drugs.com.
Urogenital Effects
According to Drugs.com, excess pantoprazole in the bloodstream may affect the kidneys and bladder and lead to decreased urination, painful urination, blood in urine, kidney stones and kidney pain.
Musculoskeletal Effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration website states that long-term use of high dosages of pantoprazole may lead to bone fractures of the hip, wrist and spine. Pantoprazole may also cause arthritis, neck rigidity, bone pain and muscle pain.

Headache

Headache is a common side effect of pantoprazole sodium, relates Drugs.com. It can also cause back pain, neck pain, joint discomfort and chest pain. Some patients complain of dizziness, a sensation that the room is spinning, difficulty sleeping, unusual dreams, weakness, tense muscles, tingling hands or feet or ringing in the ears. Confusion, anxiety and loss of interest in life are occasional side effects.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, intestinal gas and diarrhea are common gastrointestinal complaints among pantoprazole users. Belching, heartburn and constipation are less common. Patients taking pantoprazole can also experience both dry mouth and increased saliva production.

Difficulty Breathing

Side effects of pantaprazole include difficulty breathing, sinus infection or inflammation, sore throat, runny nose, bronchitis and cough. Nosebleeds and fever are other adverse effects, reports the "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide."

Rash

Pantaprazole can affect the skin, causing a rash, inflammation, hives or itchy skin. Some users experience excessively dry skin or scalp hair loss.

Other Effects

Pantoprazole can affect the body in ways that may only be apparent via laboratory testing. It may cause elevated blood glucose, explains CenterWatch. Blood cholesterol and uric acid may be elevated and liver function tests may be abnormal.

Considerations

To lessen the risk of adverse effects, patients should only take pantoprazole sodium for the length of time recommended by their physicians and alert their physicians if they experience any side effects. Patients should not crush or chew pantoprazole. It can be taken with a meal or snack if it causes stomach problems, explains Drugs.com. Patients should avoid driving or performing crucial tasks if pantoprazole makes them feel dizzy.

Source: The National Institutes of Health: Pantoprazole

Drugs.com: Side Effects of Pantoprazole

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Pantoprazole Safety

by

AKSHAYA SRIKANTH

Pharm.D Internee

Hyderabad, India