Zopent Tablet 40mg: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions
Introduction Zopent tablet is used to treat damage from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach) in adults and children 5 years of age and older. Pantoprazole is used to allow the esophagus to heal and prevent further damage to the esophagus in adults with GERD. It is also used to treat conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in adults. It belong to a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach. How should this medicine be used? Zopent comes as a delayed-release (releases the medication in the intestine to prevent break-down of the medication by stomach acids) tablet and as delayed-release granules to take by mouth. The packets of delayed-release granules must be mixed with applesauce or apple juice and taken by mouth or given through a feeding tube. For the treatment and maintenance of GERD, pantoprazole is usually taken once a day. For the treatment of conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, pantoprazole is usually taken twice a day. The delayed-release tablets are usually taken with or without food, and the granules are usually taken 30 minutes before a meal. Take pantoprazole at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pantoprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If your doctor has prescribed the 40 mg tablet and it is too big for you to swallow, ask your doctor to prescribe two of the 20 mg tablets instead. To take the granules, open the packet and either sprinkle the granules onto one teaspoonful of applesauce or into a cup containing one teaspoonful of apple juice. Do not mix the granules with water, other liquids, or other foods. Use all of the granules in the packet; do not divide the granules into smaller doses. If you sprinkle the granules into apple juice, stir the mixture for 5 seconds. Swallow the mixture of applesauce or apple juice and medication right away (within 10 minutes) without chewing or crushing the granules. If you sprinkled the granules on applesauce, take several sips of water to wash the granules down to your stomach. If you sprinkled the granules into apple juice, rinse the cup once or twice with apple juice and drink the apple juice right away to be sure you swallow any leftover granules. Pantoprazole granules mixed with apple juice may be given through a feeding tube. If you have a feeding tube, ask your doctor how you should take pantoprazole. Continue to take pantoprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking pantoprazole without talking to your doctor. If your condition does not improve or gets worse, call your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient. Other uses for this medicine This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking Zopent tablet tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pantoprazole, dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium, in Vimovo), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec, in Talicia, in Zegerid), rabeprazole (AcipHex), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in pantoprazole tablets or granules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. Some medications should not be taken with pantoprazole. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with pantoprazole. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting pantoprazole with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking pantoprazole, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. The following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with pantoprazole: iron supplements. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking pantoprazole. Do not start any of these medications while taking pantoprazole without discussing with your healthcare provider. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low level of magnesium, calcium, or potassium in your blood; hypoparathyroidism (condition in which the body does not produce enough parathyroid hormone [PTH; a natural substance needed to control the amount of calcium in the blood]); low levels of vitamin B12 in your body; osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily); or an autoimmune disease (condition in which the body attacks its own organs causing swelling and loss of function) such as systemic lupus erythematosus. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking pantoprazole, call your doctor. talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking pantoprazole if you are 70 years of age or older. Do not take this medication for a longer period of time than recommended by your doctor. What special dietary instructions should I follow? Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. What should I do if I forget a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. What side effects can Zopent tablet cause? Pantoprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: headache nausea vomiting gas joint pain diarrhea dizziness in men, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection Some side
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