Protium (Pantoprazole)

Receive our quarterly lifestyle research updates Email:

Protium is used to treat or prevent indigestion - A feeling of discomfort or pain within the lower chest or abdomen caused by gastric acid irritation within the upper part of the gut namely the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum.  For other causes of abdominal pain  see indigestion. The types of discomfort losec can help, include:-

Heart burn. A burning feeling in the center of the chest, sometimes combined with an acid taste in the back of the mouth. Usually made worse by eating a large meal, straining or leaning forward. This is caused by acid from the stomach refluxing back into the gullet.   Self help practical manoeuvres include; eating small meals often - see diet & indigestion.  Putting two bricks under the head of the bed. Avoiding  tight clothing around the abdomen.

Classic indigestion comes on shortly after food and is a described as an intermittent burning discomfort in the top of the abdomen. Often helped temporarily by antacid medication (white medicine).   Caused by irritation of the stomach wall (gastritis or an ulcer).  If discomfort starts on an empty stomach it is more likely because of an ulcer or irritation of the section of gut which immediately follows the stomach called the duodenum.  As well as medication, diet may help -  see diet & indigestion.

Protium (pantoprazole) is very successful in treating the symptoms caused by acid irritation in all these areas. Even if you do not already have indigestion it is useful to give Protium to prevent these symptoms developing when steroids are given with chemotherapy.

How does Protium work?. It  effectively decreases the production of acid from the lining of the stomach.  This protects the stomach, oesophagus and duodenum from irritation and ulceration. It works by blocking an enzyme (hydrogen-potassium adenosine tri-phosphatase) of the gastric parietal cell - so called proton pump inhibitor.

How is Protium taken? A tablet containing 40mg of pantoprazole once a day.  It doesn't matter what time of day you take it but many people try to take it at the same time each day so its easier to remember. If you forget to take your tablet don’t panic but  try not to miss more than one or two tablets in a row. As mentioned above, patients who are given steroids during chemotherapy can be prescribed protium during this period to prevent the steroids damaging the upper digestive tract.  If taking long term, remember to get a new prescription a couple of weeks before you run out of the tablets and make sure you have plenty for holidays etc.

Are there any side effects?  Protium is generally very well tolerated. Side effects are rare but include headache, diarrhoea and  skin rashes. Your doctor should be aware if you have problems with your liver occasionally this drug may aggravate the liver function.

Further general information Your doctors and specialist nurses are in an ideal position to give you relevant information on your disease and treatment as they know your individual circumstances. Cancerbackup has a help line (0808 800 1234) and a prize winning video available in English, Italian, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati & Hindi explaining Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy. Cancernet.co.uk has over 500 pages describing cancer, its management, practical tips and tool which patients, their carers and their doctors have found helpful during the cancer journey.