What Is Pantoprazole Used For?

People may ask, "What is pantoprazole used for?" Pantoprazole is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including heartburn. It has also been licensed to treat erosive esophagitis. Pantoprazole is also used for long-term treatment of pathological hypersecretory diseases.

What Is Pantoprazole Used For?

Pantoprazole sodium ("pantoprazole"), sold under the brand name Protonix®, has been licensed to treat a number of conditions, which include:
 
 
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Erosive Esophagitis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acids and other contents of the stomach go back into the esophagus (acid reflux). This can result in GERD symptoms, including the most common symptom of GERD -- heartburn. One of the complications of GERD is erosive esophagitis, which occurs when the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged by stomach acid.
 
Pantoprazole has been licensed to treat symptoms of GERD, including heartburn. It has also been licensed to treat erosive esophagitis. After erosive esophagitis has healed, pantoprazole may also be used prevent the return of the condition.
 
Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
Pantoprazole has been approved for long-term treatment in people with pathological hypersecretory diseases (conditions resulting in the production of too much stomach acid). The most common of these conditions is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
 

Is Pantoprazole Used for Children?

Pantoprazole has not been approved for treatment of children.
 
(What Is Pantoprazole Used For? Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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