Pantoprazole

Pantoprazole is used to treat acid reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It is also the active ingredient in Pantoloc Control tablets.

Acid reflux occurs when the muscle between the stomach and the oesophagus weakens or doesn't close properly. This allows food and stomach acids to move back into the oesophagus. If this happens frequently, it's called GORD.

Pantoprazole helps lower the acid levels in your stomach, stopping it from moving up into your oesophagus and throat.

Pantoprazole comes in the form of a gastro-resistant tablet, which means it travels through the stomach to the intestine where it works better. It is available in two doses: 20mg and 40mg.

Acid reflux and GORD are common and bothersome conditions that can impact your quality of life.

The stomach lining is composed of cells with proton pumps that release acid into the stomach, aiding in food digestion. Sometimes, these cells produce too much acid, which can irritate the stomach and other parts of the digestive system. When there's excess acid, it can move from the stomach into the oesophagus and throat, leading to the uncomfortable sensation known as heartburn.

If you don't treat acid reflux, it can harm your oesophagus and throat. Ongoing acid reflux, also known as GORD, can lead to conditions like oesophagitis and laryngitis.

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that stops cells from making too much acid. It helps ease short-term symptoms of acid reflux and also prevents long-term effects.

Tablets come in two strengths: 20mg and 40mg.

Pantoprazole tablets are available in two strengths: 20mg and 40mg. For acid reflux, the typical dose is one 20mg tablet daily. This usually helps ease symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks.

When treating GORD, the treatment period is typically longer. Initially, a clinician will often prescribe a higher dose of 40mg per day to address the effects of acid reflux. After the throat and stomach have healed, the dose is usually lowered to 20mg per day to manage acid production and help prevent symptoms from returning.

Pantoprazole can be used by people with liver problems, but it's recommended to keep the dose to 20mg per day.

When it comes to treating GORD, you've got a few options. Some treatments don't need a prescription. Antacids, such as Tums and Gaviscon liquid, help neutralise stomach acid and can be purchased over the counter. H2-receptor antagonists, like Cimetidine, work by blocking the effects of histamine in the stomach to lower acid levels.

Pantoprazole works by directly reducing acid production by blocking the proton pumps. There are other branded medicines that function similarly, such as Pantoloc. Since Pantoprazole is a generic medication, it is usually more affordable than the pricier branded options.

Pantoprazole works really well for treating acid reflux and GORD because it tackles the underlying issue, helping the body to heal from their effects.

Ninety-eight percent of people notice results after just one four-week course of treatment. However, if symptoms are more severe, Pantoprazole might take a bit longer to reach its full effect. In these instances, 93% of people with more severe symptoms found that Pantoprazole worked after taking it for eight weeks.

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The amount you need to take will vary based on your symptoms and how severe they are. For instance, the dose for preventing peptic ulcers is different from the one for acid reflux. Likewise, the dose for a one-off case of acid reflux isn't the same as the dose for GORD.

Usually, taking one 20mg tablet daily for four weeks is sufficient to treat acid reflux and allow the stomach and throat to heal. In more severe cases, the treatment might extend to eight weeks or even longer.

As you follow your treatment plan, your clinician will keep an eye on your progress and might recommend increasing your dosage if needed.