Pantoprazole 40mg – 100 Tablets

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce the production of gastric acid. Pantoprazole 40mg is commonly supplied as a delayed release or enteric coated oral tablet, allowing the medication to pass through the stomach before the active ingredient is released and absorbed. Health Canada currently lists multiple marketed 40mg pantoprazole prescription tablet products.

Pantoprazole works by selectively inhibiting the hydrogen potassium ATPase (H+/K+ ATPase), commonly known as the gastric proton pump, located in acid producing parietal cells of the stomach. Blocking this final stage of gastric acid secretion reduces both basal and stimulated stomach acid production.

By decreasing gastric acidity, pantoprazole can help reduce irritation of the esophagus and other tissues exposed to excessive stomach acid. It is commonly used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and associated erosive esophagitis, where repeated acid exposure can inflame or damage the lining of the esophagus.

Pantoprazole is also used to maintain healing of erosive esophagitis and in the management of pathological hypersecretory conditions, including Zollinger Ellison syndrome, where the stomach produces abnormally high quantities of acid.

This product provides:

• Active Ingredient: Pantoprazole
• Common Form: Pantoprazole Sodium
• Strength: 40mg per tablet
• Quantity: 100 Tablets
• Drug Class: Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
• Dosage Form: Delayed Release Oral Tablet
• Common Uses: GERD, erosive esophagitis and excessive stomach acid conditions

Delayed release pantoprazole tablets are designed to remain intact until they reach the appropriate part of the gastrointestinal tract. Current prescribing information specifies that delayed release tablets should generally be swallowed whole rather than split, crushed or chewed, as damaging the protective coating can interfere with the delayed release formulation.

Common adverse effects reported with pantoprazole can include headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, gas, dizziness and joint pain.

Long term proton pump inhibitor therapy also has additional safety considerations. Prolonged or higher dose PPI use has been associated with an increased risk of low magnesium levels and certain osteoporosis related bone fractures, and PPI therapy may also increase susceptibility to Clostridioides difficile associated diarrhea in some patients.

Because improvement in acid related symptoms does not necessarily rule out other gastrointestinal conditions, persistent or unusual symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Pantoprazole is a prescription medication in Canada and should be used according to appropriate medical guidance.