Pantoprazole Precautions and Warnings

In the case of pantoprazole, precautions and warnings to be aware of include the risk of experiencing a vitamin B-12 deficiency as a result of taking the medication. Pantoprazole is considered a pregnancy category B drug, which means that it has not been studied in pregnant women. Women who are pregnant should discuss the safety of taking pantoprazole with their healthcare provider. Other precautions and warnings for pantoprazole users include avoiding nursing while taking the drug.

 

Pantoprazole Precautions and Warnings: An Introduction

Pantoprazole sodium ("pantoprazole") is a prescription medication sold under the brand name Protonix® that is used to treat a number of conditions within the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
 
Before taking pantoprazole, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Have liver disease or liver failure
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have any allergies.
 
It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines that you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Some Pantoprazole Precautions and Warnings

Precautions and warnings to be aware of while taking pantoprazole include the following:
 
 
  • Pantoprazole is considered a pregnancy category B medication. This means that it has not been studied in pregnant women. However, when studied in animals, it showed no negative effects on unborn babies. If you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about the safety of taking pantoprazole in your situation.
 
  • It is not known whether pantoprazole passes through breast milk. Therefore, women who are taking pantoprazole should avoid nursing.
 
  • In general, acid-suppressing medications may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B-12, which means that there is a slight risk of developing a B-12 deficiency. Discuss this with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
 
(Pantoprazole Precautions and Warnings Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;