Pantoprazole is used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid) in adults and children who are at least 5 years old.

Pantoprazole is also used in adults to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Pantoprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use pantoprazole if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• breathing problems; or
• you are allergic to any other stomach acid medicine such as lansoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, omeprazole, and others.

Some drugs should not be used with pantoprazole. Your treatment plan may change if you also use any medication that contains rilpivirine.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a zinc deficiency;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low blood levels of potassium, calcium or magnesium);
• lupus; or
• liver or kidney disease.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone while using pantoprazole. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.

Pantoprazole may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Use First-Pantoprazole (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• nausea, vomiting, weight loss;
• sudden pain or trouble moving your hip, wrist, or back;
• pain, swelling, burning, or irritation around the IV needle;
• pain in your side or lower back, painful urination, blood or pus in your urine;
• signs of an electrolyte imbalance--increased thirst or urination, constipation, muscle weakness, leg cramps, numbness or tingling, feeling jittery, fluttering in your chest;
• new or worsening symptoms of lupus--joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight; or
• vitamin B12 deficiency--shortness of breath, feeling lightheaded, irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, pale skin, tiredness, mood changes, numbness or tingling in your legs or arms.

Long-term use of pantoprazole may increase your risk of serious side effects including stomach polyps. Talk with your doctor about these risks.

Common side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• joint pain; or
• fever, rash, or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Avoid getting pantoprazole oral suspension in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.