If you have problems with your stomach or esophagus, you may be interested in learning more about pantoprazole. It’s a generic prescription drug used to:
- treat erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid) related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and certain children
- help heal damage to the esophagus caused by erosive esophagitis with GERD in adults
- treat conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome) that cause the body to make too much stomach acid
Pantoprazole comes as delayed-release oral tablets* (which you swallow). It also comes as an oral suspension and in an injectable form, but this article does not cover these types.
This article describes pantoprazole’s side effects. For more information about pantoprazole, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.
* Delayed-release tablets have a special coating that allows them to pass through your stomach without dissolving. This helps them release the drug into your body at the right time.
Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their pantoprazole treatment. Examples of pantoprazole’s commonly reported side effects include:
- abdominal (stomach) pain*
- diarrhea
- headache*
- nausea*
- vomiting
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Pantoprazole’s side effects explained” section below.
Pantoprazole can cause mild side effects, some of which are listed below. However, other mild side effects may occur. Examples of mild side effects that people taking pantoprazole have reported include:
- abdominal (stomach) pain*
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- flatulence (gas)
- headache*
- joint pain
- mild allergic reaction*†
- nausea*
- vomiting
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Pantoprazole’s side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using pantoprazole.
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking pantoprazole unless your doctor recommends it.
Pantoprazole may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.
It’s possible, but not common, to have serious side effects with pantoprazole. Serious side effects that have been reported with this drug include:
- acute nephritis (sudden inflammation of the kidneys)
- increased risk of osteoporosis-related broken bones in the hip, spine, or wrist
- low levels of magnesium
- low levels of vitamin B12
- lupus (an autoimmune condition)
- polyps (noncancerous growths) in the lining of the upper part of the stomach
- severe allergic reaction*†
- severe diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile (C.diff)
- severe skin reactions, which can be fatal in some cases
If you develop serious side effects while taking pantoprazole, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Pantoprazole’s side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using pantoprazole.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with pantoprazole, visit MedWatch.
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about pantoprazole’s side effects.
Does my risk of side effects from pantoprazole depend on the strength I take (20 mg or 40 mg)?
No, it isn’t likely. In studies of pantoprazole, the side effects that people reported were not related to the strength they took.
Some factors that may affect your risk of side effects with pantoprazole include other health conditions you have or other medications you take.
To learn more about your risk of side effects from pantoprazole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do older adults have a higher risk of side effects from pantoprazole?
No, older adults (ages 65 years and older) should not have a higher risk of side effects from pantoprazole. In studies, the rate of side effects reported was similar regardless of age.
But keep in mind that certain conditions are more likely to occur in older adults. This can include osteoporosis-related broken bones, which is a side effect of pantoprazole.
To find out more about your risk of side effects from pantoprazole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does pantoprazole cause any long-term side effects?
Yes, long-term use of pantoprazole may raise the risk of certain side effects. Side effects associated with long-term use include:
- increased risk of osteoporosis-related broken bones in the hip, spine, or wrist
- low levels of magnesium
- low levels of vitamin B12
- new or worsening lupus
- polyps (noncancerous growths) in the lining of the upper part of the stomach
Due to the risk of these side effects, doctors typically prescribe the lowest effective dose of pantoprazole for the shortest time possible for treating your condition.
If you have concerns about long-term use of pantoprazole, talk with your doctor. Ask how long your treatment will last and what symptoms to watch for.
Does pantoprazole cause any throat-related side effects?
It’s not likely. Throat-related side effects, such as throat pain, weren’t reported in studies of pantoprazole. But throat pain and other throat issues can be symptoms of the conditions pantoprazole treats.
If you’re concerned about throat-related side effects, talk with your doctor.
Does pantoprazole cause weight gain or weight loss?
People taking pantoprazole in studies did not report weight gain or weight loss. But changes in weight have been reported after the drug was approved for use.
If you experience bothersome weight gain or weight loss while taking pantoprazole, talk with your doctor. They can help determine what’s causing the weight change and how to manage it.
If you have throat-related problems while taking pantoprazole, tell your doctor. They can determine if your symptoms are related to stomach acid or some other cause.
It’s also important to note that an allergic reaction to pantoprazole can cause throat swelling or tightening. If you have this symptom, seek medical care right away. You can read more about allergic reactions in the “Side effects explained” section below.
Is pantoprazole used to treat anxiety?
No, pantoprazole does not treat anxiety. But anxiety and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are often connected. People with anxiety can experience GERD, and people with GERD may feel anxious. So, someone with anxiety may take pantoprazole to treat GERD but not to treat anxiety.
To find out more about managing anxiety symptoms and GERD, talk with your doctor.
Pantoprazole may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. Other factors may also affect whether pantoprazole is a good treatment option for you.
Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting pantoprazole. Factors to consider include those described below.
Low magnesium levels. Pantoprazole can cause low levels of magnesium. If you already have this condition, taking pantoprazole could worsen it. Before starting pantoprazole treatment, it’s important to tell your doctor if you know you have low magnesium levels. Your doctor may want to check your levels and treat your condition before starting pantoprazole. They may also check your magnesium levels regularly during your treatment.
Lupus. Pantoprazole may cause lupus in some people. If you already have this condition, pantoprazole could make it worse. Talk with your doctor before taking pantoprazole. They can determine if this drug is right for you.
Neuroendocrine tumors. Before taking pantoprazole, talk with your doctor if you have a neuroendocrine tumor. Pantoprazole can cause inaccurate results on tests for neuroendocrine tumors. If you need testing for a neuroendocrine tumor, your doctor will likely have you stop taking the drug at least 2 weeks before the test.
Osteoporosis. Pantoprazole can increase the risk of osteoporosis-related broken bones in the hips, spine, or wrists if used long term. If you have osteoporosis, your risk of broken bones is already higher. Before starting pantoprazole, be sure to tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis. They may recommend another treatment or make sure you take the drug for the shortest amount of time possible.
Stomach cancer. Stomach cancer can cause symptoms similar to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions that pantoprazole treats. Your doctor may order testing for stomach cancer even if pantoprazole seems to help your symptoms.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to pantoprazole or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.
Alcohol and pantoprazole
There are no known interactions between alcohol and pantoprazole. But alcohol can worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions that pantoprazole treats.
Alcohol can also cause many of the same side effects as pantoprazole, such as dizziness and headache. Using them together may make these side effects worse.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much may be safe to drink with your condition and treatment plan.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking pantoprazole
It is unknown if pantoprazole is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about the safety of taking pantoprazole.
Pantoprazole can pass into human breast milk. But it is unknown whether the drug may affect a breastfed child. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before taking pantoprazole.
Learn more about some of the side effects pantoprazole may cause.
Nausea
Some people may experience nausea while taking pantoprazole. In studies of the drug, nausea was one of the most common side effects that people reported. Nausea can also be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions that pantoprazole treats.
But in some cases, nausea can be a symptom of a more serious side effect, such as acute nephritis (sudden inflammation of the kidneys).
What might help
If you experience nausea while taking pantoprazole, tell your doctor. They can determine what might be causing it and suggest ways to help manage it.
Call your doctor right away if nausea prevents you from being able to drink liquids. This can be a sign of dehydration. Severe dehydration can lead to serious conditions such as kidney failure.
Headache
Pantoprazole may cause headaches. In fact, this was the most common side effect reported by people in studies. In addition, headaches can be a symptom of various conditions.
What might help
If you experience headaches that bother you while taking pantoprazole, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the cause and suggest ways to manage them. But if you have a sudden, severe headache, see a doctor right away.
Abdominal (stomach) pain
Some people may experience abdominal (stomach) pain while taking pantoprazole. Along with nausea and headache, this was one of the most common side effects that people taking pantoprazole reported in studies.
But stomach pain can also be a symptom of GERD and other conditions that pantoprazole treats. It can be a symptom of other serious conditions.
What might help
If you have stomach pain during your pantoprazole treatment, tell your doctor. They can help determine the cause and suggest how to manage it. But if you have stomach pain that’s severe or doesn’t go away, seek medical care right away.
Allergic reaction
Like most drugs, pantoprazole can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:
- skin rash
- itchiness
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
- swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:
- an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to pantoprazole, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to pantoprazole, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Keeping track of side effectsDuring your pantoprazole treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
- what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
- how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
- what your symptoms were
- how it affected your daily activities
- what other medications you were taking
- any other information you feel is important
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how pantoprazole affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
If you still have questions about the possible side effects of pantoprazole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Examples of questions you may want to ask include:
- What can I do to manage or prevent common side effects of pantoprazole?
- How do the side effects of pantoprazole compare with other drugs that can treat my condition?
- How long will I need to take pantoprazole, and does this raise my risk of long-term side effects?
If you have any questions about side effects that pantoprazole can cause, talk with your doctor. You can also ask them about Protonix, which is the brand-name version of pantoprazole.
A generic drug and its brand-name version are expected to have the same side effects because they contain the same active ingredient. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
To learn more about pantoprazole, see these articles:
- All About Pantoprazole Oral Tablet
- Pantoprazole and Cost: What You Need to Know
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
