Pantoprazole

Pantoprazole (brand names Pantopan® in Italy; Protium®; Protonix®; Pantozol®; Pantor®; Pantoloc®) is a proton pump inhibitor drug used for short-term treatment of erosion and ulceration of the oesophagus 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

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

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. It is also available for intravenous use.

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