Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach which in turn relieves acid-related indigestion and heartburn.Common side effects of PantoprazoleDiarrhea, Flatulence, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Abdominal pain, Joint pain, Injection site reaction.

• Pantoprazole should be taken 1 hour before a meal, preferably in the morning.
• It is a well-tolerated medicine and provides relief for a long time.
• Some healthy tips to prevent acidity from happening:
  
  • Avoid excessive intake of carbonated beverages/soft drinks, citrus juices, fried food, caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee.
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking.
  • Avoid eating late at night or before bedtime.
• Inform your doctor if you get watery diarrhea, fever or stomach pain that does not go away.
• Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after taking it for 14 days as you may be suffering from some other problem that needs attention.
• Long-term use of Pantoprazole can cause weak bones and a deficiency of minerals such as magnesium. Take adequate dietary intake of calcium and magnesium or their supplements as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not stop taking medication without talking to your doctor. 
• Consult your doctor right away if you develop decreased urination, edema (swelling due to fluid retention), lower back pain, nausea, fatigue, and rash or fever. These could be signs of a kidney problem.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PANTOPRAZOLEPantoprazoleQ. What is Pantoprazole used for?Pantoprazole is used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease, reflux esophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Pantoprazole prevents acidity associated with use of painkillers. It is also used to treat a disease associated with excessive acid production in the stomach known as Zollinger Ellison syndrome (ZES). It works by reducing the amount of acid made by your stomach and thus relieves your symptoms.Q. How long does it take for Pantoprazole to work?You should start to feel better within 2 to 3 days. It may take up to 4 weeks for Pantoprazole to work properly so you may still have some symptoms during this time.Q. Is Pantoprazole safe?Yes, Pantoprazole is relatively safe. Most of the people who take Pantoprazole do not get a side effect. It is advised to be taken as directed by the doctor for maximum benefits.Q. Can I take Pantoprazole for a long term?Pantoprazole is usually prescribed for short term use only. However, if need arises, such as for treating peptic ulcer disease and Zollinger Ellison syndrome (ZES), Pantoprazole may be prescribed for a long term duration as well. Long term use may carry an increased risk for side effects and must be discussed with the doctor. Please use Pantoprazole as advised by your doctor and under their supervision.Q. What are the long term side effects of Pantoprazole?If Pantoprazole is used for more than 3 months, certain long term side effects may be seen. The most important of these is low magnesium levels in your blood which may make you feel tired, confused, dizzy, shaky or dizzy. You may also have muscle twitches or irregular heartbeat. If the use is further prolonged for more than a year, you may have an increased risk of bone fractures, stomach infections and vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can make you anemic, as a result of which you may feel more tired, weak, or pale. Additionally you may have palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, indigestion, loss of appetite, flatulence (gas) or nerve problems such as numbness, tingling and problem in walking.