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# Pantoprazole
## Overview
Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces gastric acid secretion. It is available in oral and intravenous formulations.
## Primary Indications
* Healing of erosive esophagitis associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
* Maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis.
* Treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
## Adult Dosing
**Erosive Esophagitis:**
* Oral: 40 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks.
* Intravenous: 40 mg once daily.
**Maintenance of Healing of Erosive Esophagitis:**
* Oral: 20 mg once daily.
**Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome):**
* Oral: 40 mg twice daily. Doses may be increased as clinically indicated. Usual maximum oral dose is 240 mg daily.
* Intravenous: 80 mg once daily, followed by 8 mg/hour infusion for up to 72 hours. Doses may be adjusted based on clinical response.
## Pediatric Dosing
Dosing in pediatric patients varies by indication and age. Consult specific guidelines or product information for detailed pediatric dosing.
* **GERD (ages 5-16 years):**
* Oral: 20 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks for treatment of symptomatic GERD.
* Oral: 40 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks for healing of erosive esophagitis.
## Dose Adjustments
* **Hepatic Impairment:** For oral administration, reduce the daily dose to 20 mg in patients with severe hepatic impairment. For intravenous administration, caution is advised.
## Contraindications
* Known hypersensitivity to pantoprazole or any component of the formulation.
## Adverse Effects
Common adverse effects include diarrhea, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, and nausea. Long-term use of PPIs may be associated with an increased risk of fractures (hip, wrist, spine), Clostridium difficile infection, vitamin B12 deficiency, and hypomagnesemia.
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Antiretrovirals:** Pantoprazole can decrease the absorption of certain antiretroviral drugs (e.g., rilpivirine, atazanavir).
* **Methotrexate:** PPIs may increase the levels of methotrexate.
* **CYP2C19 Substrates:** Pantoprazole is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2C19 and may affect the metabolism of drugs like clopidogrel.
* **Iron Supplements:** Reduced gastric acidity can decrease iron absorption.
## Monitoring
* Monitor for signs and symptoms of fractures, C. difficile infection, B12 deficiency, and hypomagnesemia with long-term use.
* Monitor electrolytes (magnesium, sodium, potassium) with prolonged therapy.
## Clinical Pearls
* Administer oral pantoprazole 30-60 minutes before a meal.
* For oral suspension, reconstitute with the provided diluent.
* Intravenous pantoprazole is generally reserved for patients who cannot take oral medications.
* Consider potential for drug interactions, especially with co-administered medications that rely on gastric pH for absorption or metabolism.
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*This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the most current prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines for complete details before making treatment decisions.*