Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are meds that can reduce acid levels in your stomach. These are used for treating ulcers, GERD and heartburn. More than 55 million people in US are known to develop acid reflux each month. Midler spells are treated with over-the-counter meds. You can also make a few changes to your daily habits. However, when signs are acute, physicians administer PPIs. Pantoprazole is one of the meds in this genre. But, is pantoprazole the same as omeprazole? It is useful to have more inputs on this.
Most commonly observed causes for acid reflux and heartburn are dysfunctional sphincter at the bottom of your food pipe, formation of peptic ulcers, incidence of GERD, etc. Added to these, leading a stressful life, regular intake of alcohol and smoking of tobacco products are also fare as possible risks. In some remote cases, cancers in the gastric tract have also led to excessive acids inside the intestinal tract.
Several reputed agencies note that histamine-2 antagonists (H2 antagonists) are less effective than PPIs. In fact, H2 antagonists belong to an earlier generation of meds; these are administered for curing heartburn and ulcers. Also, PPIs tend to be efficient in healing both duodenal and gastric ulcers. PPIs tend to stay effective for as long as 24 hours. On the other hand, H2 antagonists work actively for 12 hours only.
What is pantoprazole?
This drug is a PPI, used for decreasing acids in your stomach. Key chemicals present on this med can inhibit cells that make acids. This action leads to reduced availability of gastric acids, and thus relieves you of discomforts associated with acid reflux / GERD. Typical dosage plan ranges from 20 mg to 40 mg. Pantoprazole is available as a delayed release variant and as granules. It is important to note that you can also buy the injectable form of this PPI.
Pantoprazole
It is not a safe thing to chew, crush or cut pantoprazole. These actions can alter the efficacy of this drug. Also, this PPI is not known to offer an immediate cure from gastric discomforts. You are advised to take it for 2 to 3 days for this drug to work to its fullest potential.
Is pantoprazole the same as omeprazole?
These two drugs are quite different. A key difference is- pantoprazole may be administered to children aged 5 years and above. On the other hand, omeprazole may be taken by children aged 2 years and more. In general, both these meds are considered as being equally efficient and effective. Both these meds are widely prescribed for the treatment of ulcers as well as gastric conditions like GERD.
Omeprazole
Pantoprazole is known to have lesser interactions with other meds than omeprazole. This arises from how the active chemicals of omeprazole are broken down by your liver. In general, 40 mg dose of pantoprazole is the same as 20 mg of omeprazole and is taken as a single dose. However, you can speak with your caregiver to have more insights into the dosing of these two drugs.
Other measures you must be aware of
You are advised to take the liquid form of pantoprazole at least half hour before your meal. However, pills may be consumed either before or after a meal. Those who have hypokalemia or lesser level of potassium in your blood, hypocalcemia i.e., lower calcium content, etc. must inform their caregiver of such conditions.
As pantoprazole may work adversely when taken with a few other meds, you are advised to share details of current medication plans to your physician. It is a safe thing to include details of prescription meds, herbal drugs, dietary aids and supplements prior to starting your medication plan. For knowing more on is pantoprazole 40 mg the same as omeprazole 20 mg, it is recommended to talk to a qualified caregiving team.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.
