Protonix is a drug used to treat certain medical disorders caused when an abundance of acid builds up in the stomach. It is classified as a proton pump inhibitors, and it treats the disorders by drastically reducing the amount of acid production in the stomach.
Erosive esophagitis, caused by damage to the esophagus from stomach acid, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, caused by excessive stomach acid, are some of the disorders often treatable with the use of Protonix. With a doctors consent and knowledge, there may also be other medical conditions treatable with this medication.
This medication is dispensed in oral granules, which may sometimes be difficult to swallow. If this problem occurs the patient can mix the granules with apple juice or apple sauce to allow for easier ingestion. These are the only food products that Protonix should be mixed with. Some patients have even had the Protonix granules administered to them with the use of a nasogastric tube. Tablets that are described as slow release should not be crushed or tampered with in any way. They have been designed to provide a slow release delay of the medication to give the best treatment of disorders. Breaking or crushing them could hinder their effectiveness.
Certain medical conditions may force patients to continue taking Protonix over a long period of time to keep receiving the treatments benefits. The use of Protonix over time has caused stomach cancer in some studies involving animals, but no conclusions have been reached in whether the same effects would occur in humans.
Another side effect Protonix may have as a long term treatment plan is the decrease in your body’s ability to easily absorb vitamin B-12, often resulting in a b-12 deficiency. If you have any concerns about this type of deficiency or any other issues involved with long term treatments using this drug, you should contact your physician.
Even if you begin to feel better while taking this medication, you should continue its use. You may feel your symptoms have improved, but your doctor should be sure your actual medical condition has improved.