This drug works by lowering the production of acid in the stomach.
Protonix is approved for use in adults and children over the age of 5 years.
It is used for the short-term treatment (usually eight weeks or less) of GERD.
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It may also be prescribed for a longer period of time as maintenance therapy for erosive esophagitis.
This is a problem that may occur as a complication of GERD.
This condition is usually diagnosed with the use of anendoscopy procedure.
During an endoscopy, an instrument is passed into the mouth and down through the esophagus.
These tumors produce a hormone, which, in turn, causes the stomach to overproduce acid.
The excess stomach acid can lead to the development of ulcers.
A diagnosis may be made with endoscopy and ultrasound or other imaging tests.
Surgery will be needed to remove the tumors.
A proton pump inhibitor is also used to decrease the amount of acid being produced.
Precautions and Contraindications
Its not recommended that Protonix be taken with certain HIV medications.
Protonix may lower the amount of antiretroviral medications, such as atazanavir and nelfinavir, in the body.
Use with rilpivirine is contraindicated.
For other retroviral medications, check the prescribing information and consult a healthcare provider.
Proton pump inhibitors such as Protonix may cause a serum increase of methotrexate.
This means that it may take longer for blood to clot, which increases the risk of severe bleeding.
Talk to your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and vitamins that you currently take.
Protonix is a tablet thats taken orally.
It comes in dosages of 20 milligrams (mg) and 40 mg.
Dosages are defined for the treatment of GERD and overactive acid production in adults.
Check your prescription and talk to your healthcare provider to confirm you are taking the right dose for you.
How to Take and Store
Protonix can be taken with or without food.
Its recommended that it be taken at approximately the same time every day.
It shouldnt be crushed, cut, or chewed.
People who are taking Protonix may also take over the counter antacids.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
However, if its almost time for the next dose, take the next dose at the usual time.
Dont double up doses or take more than one dose at a time.
Protonix should be stored at 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F).
Modifications
The use of Protonix in pregnant people has not been extensively studied.
The FDA has not assigned a pregnancy category to Protonix.
Studies on pregnant rats receiving Protonix havent shown any increase in the risk of birth defects.
Signs and symptoms of kidney disease include urinating (peeing) less and blood in the urine.
If these symptoms start, they should be reported to a healthcare provider right away.
If these symptoms occur they should be reported to a healthcare provider right away.
Its important that the use of Protonix be discussed with a healthcare provider if a fracture occurs.
Lupus Erythematosus
Lupusis an autoimmune condition that causes a persons own immune cells to attack the body.
Vitamin B12 Levels
Taking Protonix for more than three years has resulted inlow levels of vitamin B-12.
This is because proton pump inhibitors may prevent vitamin B12 from being absorbed.
Taking Protonix for three months has resulted in lowered levels of magnesium in the body.
Fundic Gland Polyps
The upper portion of the stomach is called the fundus.
A polyp is a punch in of abnormal growth.
Fundic polyps are rarely associated with the risk of cancer.
However, if they do develop, it may be recommended that the proton pump inhibitor be stopped.
Protonix may decrease the effectiveness of this Cellcept, but the level of this effect has not been established.
The recommendation from the manufacturer of Protonix is that it be used in caution in those also receiving Cellcept.
Its recommended that a proton pump inhibitor be stopped for two weeks before a CgA level test.
The use of proton pump inhibitors may cause a false positive in a test for THC.
Another jot down of test might be needed to verify a positive result for THC.
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