Pantoprazole (marketed under the brand names Protium, Protonix, Pantozol, "Pantor" and Pantoloc) is a proton pump inhibitor drug used for short-term treatment of erosion and ulceration of the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Initial treatment is generally of eight weeks' duration, after which another eight week course of treatment may be considered if necessary. It can be used as a maintenance therapy for long term use after initial response is obtained.

Pharmacology

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Pantoprazole is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 system. Metabolism mainly consists of demethylation by CYP2C19 followed by sulfation. Another metabolic pathway is oxidation by CYP3A4. Pantoprazole metabolites are not thought to have any pharmacological significance.

Availability

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Pantoprazole was developed by Altana and is currently marketed under the brand name Protonix® by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Somac® by Pfizer "Pantor®" by Bosnalijek, and as Pantoloc® by Solvay Pharma and as Protium in the UK. It is available by prescription in controlled-release tablets.

External links

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• Official Protonix Homepage
• Protonix Facts Information Sheet
• Pantoprazole

proton pump inhibitors