What is Protonix used for?  

Protonix is used for:

§         the short-term (up to 8 weeks) healing of a gradual breakdown (erosion) or sore (ulceration) in the esophagus which may be caused by the backward flow of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD). For people who have not healed after 8 weeks of treatment, an additional 8 week course of Protonix may be considered.

§         the maintenance of healing or erosive or ulcerative esophagitis GERD.

§         the long-term treatment of medical conditions that result in the body secreting too much acid, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

General Information about Protonix:

Protonix does not work for everyone.  Improvement in your symptoms does not prevent you from having other stomach-related medical conditions.

What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?  

Review all medications that you are taking with your doctor or health care provider, including those that you take without a prescription.  Because Protonix lowers the level of acid in your stomach, Protonix may interfere with the absorption of drugs such as ketoconazole, ampicillin, and iron salts.

Tell your doctor or health care provider if you are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of Protonix? (This is not a complete list of side effects reported with Protonix. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.) 

Protonix is generally well tolerated.  The most common side effect is headache.  Your health care provider can discuss with you a complete list of possible side effects.

For more detailed information about Protonix, ask your health care provider.

Posted: 4/21/00
Revised: 8/2/00, 5/26/04