Protonix Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Protonix (pantoprazole) is a prescription-only medication that lowers the amount of acid in your stomach. It’s part of a group of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Protonix is FDA approved to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But it’s also used for other medical problems, like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

In this guide, we’ll go over the Protonix dosages recommended by the manufacturer. Keep in mind, your healthcare provider may ask you to take Protonix differently. If you have any questions about your dosage, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

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What dosage forms does Protonix come in?

Protonix is available in two different oral dosage forms. There’s also an intravenous (IV) injection available. But this dosage form is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting by a healthcare professional.

Delayed-release tablets

The delayed-release tablet is the most commonly used dosage form of Protonix. It comes in 20 mg and 40 mg tablets.

You can take Protonix tablets with or without food. You should swallow the tablets whole — avoid crushing or splitting them. This can change how your body absorbs the medication.

Delayed-release oral suspension

Some people have difficulty swallowing oral tablets. Thankfully, Protonix is also available as an oral suspension. But you must mix the oral suspension yourself before you (or your child) take it.

Protonix oral suspension comes in 40 mg packets. You’ll need to mix the contents of the packet with a teaspoon of applesauce or apple juice before taking them. You shouldn’t mix the packet with any other food or liquids. It’s best to take the oral suspension about 30 minutes before a meal.

There are slightly different directions for mixing and taking Protonix packets depending on what you’re mixing it with:

• Applesauce: When you sprinkle a Protonix packet on top of applesauce, you should take it within 10 minutes. Follow the applesauce mixture with a few sips of water to make sure all of the Protonix mixture makes it into your stomach.

• Apple juice: You’ll need to stir the contents of the packet in 1 teaspoon of apple juice for about 5 seconds (the granules will not dissolve). Then take the mixture right away. You should rinse the container used to mix the suspension with a little more apple juice and swallow this as well. This helps make sure you swallow all of the Protonix mixture.

You can also make the oral suspension using 2 teaspoons of apple juice and give it through a nasogastric tube (a type of feeding tube) using a syringe. You’ll then need to flush the syringe twice with 2 teaspoons of apple juice each time.

What’s the typical Protonix dosage for adults?

The recommended dosage of Protonix in adults depends on why you’re taking it. A typical dosage is 40 mg by mouth once a day for up to 8 weeks. Below, we review the FDA-approved dosing recommendations. Remember, your healthcare provider may ask you to take Protonix differently in some cases.

Short-term treatment of GERD

GERD is a medical condition where acid from the stomach leaks back up into the esophagus (food pipe) causing reflux (heartburn). Reflux is considered GERD if it occurs more than twice a week.

The recommended Protonix dosage for adults with GERD is 40 mg by mouth once daily for up to 8 weeks. You may need another 8 weeks of Protonix treatment if your symptoms haven’t gone away. Your healthcare provider will help you decide how long you need to take Protonix.

Erosive esophagitis

For some people with GERD, chronic acid reflux can cause swelling and damage known as erosive esophagitis. Your healthcare provider may recommend Protonix to help your body heal from erosive esophagitis.

The typical dosage for adults with erosive esophagitis is 40 mg by mouth once daily. Some people can stop Protonix after a few weeks, but others will need to take it long-term. Your healthcare provider will let you know how long you’ll need to take Protonix.

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a medical condition that causes the body to produce too much stomach acid. People with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome have a higher risk of peptic ulcer disease.

The recommended starting dosage for people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is 40 mg by mouth twice daily. But some people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may need up to 240 mg of Protonix a day to control stomach acid levels. Your healthcare provider will adjust your dose to fit your needs.

What’s the typical Protonix dosage for children?

Protonix is FDA approved for use in children 5 years and older. The oral suspension is a popular option if your child has difficulty swallowing oral tablets.

GERD

The Protonix dose in children depends on how much your child weighs. 

For children weighing 15 kg (33 lbs) to less than 40 kg (88 lbs), the recommended dosage is 20 mg once a day. The dosage for children weighing 40 kg or more is 40 mg once daily. If your child weighs less than 15 kg, your healthcare provider will determine the best Protonix dosage for their needs.

It’s recommended that children take Protonix for up to 8 weeks.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

Most people don’t need Protonix dosage adjustments for their other medical conditions. There’s no recommended dosage adjustment for people with kidney or liver problems. However, your healthcare provider may change the dosage of Protonix based on your symptoms or any side effects you’re experiencing. It’s a good idea to stay on top of your regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. That way they can monitor how Protonix is working for you.

What happens if you miss a dose of Protonix?

If you miss a dose of Protonix, take it as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. You shouldn’t take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

It’s important to take Protonix based on your healthcare provider’s instructions. So ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should you do if you take too much Protonix?

If you accidentally take an extra dose of Protonix, it’s unlikely to cause you any harm. But you may have a higher risk of side effects, like headache or diarrhea.

Even large amounts of Protonix are not likely to be harmful. But if you or your child take a large amount of Protonix, you should still contact your healthcare provider right away. You can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

How to save on Protonix

There are ways to save on Protonix, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase a 30-day supply of Protonix at an exclusive cash price of $200.10.

You may also pay as little as $6.87 for a 30-day supply of generic pantoprazole with a free GoodRx coupon.

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Written by:

Justin DeFlorian, PharmD, BCPS

Justin DeFlorian, PharmD, BCPS, is a board-certified clinical pharmacist. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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