Pantoprazole

Pantoprazole (brand names Pantopan in Italy; Protium; Protonix; Pantozol; Pantor; Pantoloc; Astropan; Controloc) is a proton pump inhibitor drug used for short-term treatment of erosion and ulceration of the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Initial treatment is generally of eight weeks' duration, after which another eight week course of treatment may be considered if necessary. It can be used as a maintenance therapy for long term use after initial response is obtained. This medication may affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g. false positive urine screen for tetrahydrocannabinal-THC). It is recommended you make sure laboratory personnel and your doctor know you are using this drug. The active ingredient in PROTONIX (pantoprazole sodium) Delayed-Release Tablets is a substituted benzimidazole , sodium 5-(difluoromethoxy)-2-[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl] sulfinyl]-1 H -benzimidazole sesquihydrate, a compound that inhibits gastric acid secretion.

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Pharmacology

Pantoprazole is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 system. Metabolism mainly consists of demethylation by CYP2C19 followed by sulfation. Another metabolic pathway is oxidation by CYP3A4. Pantoprazole metabolites are not thought to have any pharmacological significance. Pantoprazole is relatively free of drug interactions...

Availability

Pantoprazole was developed by Altana and is currently marketed under the brand name Protonix by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Somac by Pfizer, Astropan by Astron Lifesciences , Pantor by Bosnalijek, and as Pantoloc by Solvay Pharma, as Protium in the UK, and as TopZole in South Africa. It is manufactured by a joint venture company Zydus Altana Private Limited which was formed by Altana and Cadila Healthcare. The plant is located at Thane, Maharashtra, India. It is available by prescription in delayed-release tablets. It is also available for intravenous use.

On December 24, 2007, Teva Pharmaceutical released an AB-rated generic alternative to Protonix.^[1]

References

1. ^ Teva Announces Launch Of Generic Protonix® Tablets