FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What is Pantoloc Control®?

Pantoloc Control® is a medication that provides effective relief from heartburn during the day as well as at night, with just one tablet a day.

How does Pantoloc Control® work?

Pantoloc Control® belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors that reduce acid production in the stomach.

Pantoloc Control® works by blocking the enzyme in the stomach wall that secretes acid into the stomach. It is the reflux of this excess acid production that causes heartburn.

Who can take Pantoloc Control®?

Pantoloc Control® is suitable for adults aged 18 years and over. It is aimed at those people suffering with frequent or recurrent heartburn amounting to two or more episodes per week.

How quickly does Pantoloc Control® start to work?

Pantoloc Control® reduces excess acid secretion for up to 24 hours, so with only one tablet a day you may start to experience relief from symptoms during the day and at night starting after the first day. Whilst you may start to experience symptomatic relief after approximately 1 day of treatment with Pantoloc Control®, it might be necessary to take it for up to 7 days to achieve complete heartburn control.

How long does Pantoloc Control® last?

One tablet of Pantoloc Control® can relieve heartburn for up to 24 hours providing daytime and night-time relief. Pantoloc Control® is it not intended for immediate relief and it might be necessary to take the tablets for 2-3 consecutive days to achieve improvement of symptoms.

How should Pantoloc Control® be taken?

Pantoloc Control® is taken as a tablet, once a day. It must be swallowed whole with water and should not be crushed or chewed. Pantoloc Control® should be taken before a meal at the same time every day and should be taken for at least two or three consecutive days.

How long can Pantoloc Control® be taken for?

Pantoloc Control® is for the short-term treatment of the symptoms of acid reflux e.g. heartburn. If symptoms don't improve within two weeks of continuous daily treatment you should consult your doctor. Pantoloc Control® should not be taken continuously for more than four weeks without consulting a doctor. Once complete symptom relief has occurred, stop taking this medicine.

Can other heartburn treatments be taken along with Pantoloc Control®?

If necessary, over-the-counter antacids may be taken with Pantoloc Control® providing you follow the directions for these products accordingly. Other acid suppression medicines including H2-receptor antagonists (e.g. ranitidine) and other proton pump inhibitor medicines should not be taken while taking Pantoloc Control®.

Does Pantoloc Control® have any side effects?

As with any medication, Pantoloc Control® may cause side effects in some people, although these are generally mild and transient. The most commonly reported side effects include diarrhoea and headache. Other, less common side effects may include: dizziness, nausea, abdominal bloating, constipation, dry mouth, abdominal pain, rash and itchiness, fatigue and sleep disorders. If side effects continue or become worse, you should consult your pharmacist or doctor.

Does Pantoloc Control® interact with any medicines?

Drug-drug interactions that may occur with Pantoloc Control® include atazanavir, ketoconazole and warfarin. If you are taking these or any other medications seek advice from your pharmacist before commencing treatment.

Pantoloc Control®has been shown to be suitable for use in patients who are taking clopidogrel following a heart attack and is the proton pump inhibitor of choice when clopidogrel is being used at the same time. Those sufferers taking clopidogrel are however advised to consult their doctor to determine if it is appropriate for them.

Who is Pantoloc Control® not suitable for?

Pantoloc Control® is not suitable for the following individuals:

  • People who are allergic to pantoprazole, to soya or any of the other ingredients in the medicine
  • People taking atazanavir for the treatment of HIV infection
  • Children and adolescents below 18 years old
  • Pregnant and breast feeding women
  • People taking Clopidogrel
Where can you buy Pantoloc Control®?

Pantoloc Control® is available at the pharmacy counter at local independent pharmacies nationwide.