The active ingredient in pantoprazole is pantoprazole sodium [1]. It is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat conditions caused by too much stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis, and to help heal damage to the esophagus [2].
How does pantoprazole work?
Pantoprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach [2]. It is a proton pump inhibitor that irreversibly blocks the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme system in gastric parietal cells, thereby inhibiting the final step of gastric acid secretion [3].
What is pantoprazole used to treat?
Pantoprazole is prescribed to treat [2]:
* Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus.
* Erosive esophagitis: Damage to the esophagus caused by stomach acid.
* Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: A rare condition that causes the stomach to produce too much acid.
* To help heal damage to the esophagus: In conjunction with other medications.
When does the patent for pantoprazole expire?
The patent expiration for pantoprazole, specifically pantoprazole sodium, can vary depending on the region and specific patents filed. Information on patent expiry dates for various drugs, including pantoprazole, is available through resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [4]. For instance, patents related to the synthesis and formulations of pantoprazole have been subject to expiration and legal challenges over the years, allowing for the development of generic versions.
What are the generic alternatives to pantoprazole?
Following patent expirations, generic versions of pantoprazole have become available. These generic drugs contain the same active ingredient, pantoprazole sodium, and are considered therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name medication [5]. The availability of generics generally leads to lower medication costs.
Are there different forms of pantoprazole?
Pantoprazole is available in several forms, including delayed-release tablets and oral suspension [2]. It is also administered intravenously in hospital settings for patients who cannot take oral medications [6].
What are the common side effects of pantoprazole?
Common side effects associated with pantoprazole include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, and dizziness [2]. Serious but less common side effects can include severe stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, and signs of a severe allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing [2]. Long-term use of PPIs like pantoprazole may also be associated with an increased risk of bone fractures, vitamin B12 deficiency, and certain infections [7].
Sources
1. DrugBank. Pantoprazole. Retrieved from https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00207
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Pantoprazole. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/less-common-digestive-diseases/gerd-adults/pantoprazole
3. PubMed Health. Pantoprazole. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32644479/
4. DrugPatentWatch.com. Retrieved from https://drugpatentwatch.com/
5. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Generic Drugs: Questions & Answers. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drugs-questions-answers
6. RxList. Pantoprazole. Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/pantoprazole-side-effects-drug-center.htm
7. Mayo Clinic. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acid-reflux/in-depth/proton-pump-inhibitors/art-20044487