Protonix® Overdose
Protonix® is an acid reducing drug that is most commonly prescribed to treat esophageal erosion (burning of the tender lining of the throat by stomach acid). Other uses include the treatment of chronic excretory conditions where patients produce excess stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
The main active ingredient in the drug is a compound called Pantoprazole. Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor similar to several prescription and over the counter heartburn remedies, however, Protonix® is not available in an over the counter formulation.
The drug has been cleared by the FDA for use in most patients, including children as young as 5. Protonix® has been tested in children as young as 1 but because there is no commercially produced version of Pantoprazole in dosages small enough, Protonix® is cannot be prescribed to them.
Recommended Protonix Dosage
Protonix® comes in either 20 or 40 mg delayed release tablets. There is also a 40mg solution designed to be mixed with water and ingested if patients can't swallow pills. The standard dose for adults and children over 5 is one 20 mg pill per day. However, adults are regularly given 40mg doses if their symptoms don't respond. Some chronic conditions indicate a dose of 40 mg pills twice per day.
Protonix® is not used to treat frequent heartburn (as are other PPI medications) partly because some of the side effects of the drug are so severe in comparison to similar drugs. As with any drug, users can easily overdose if they aren't careful about their dosage and dosage scheduling.
Symptoms of Protonix® Overdose
Protonix® (either in pill or solution form) is designed to be taken once daily. The formulation dissolves slowly and enters the bloodstream over the course of 24 hours.
Though overdosing is not common (the number of reported incidents where patients took over 240mg per day is extremely small), the danger still exists. Single oral doses of pantoprazole (the main ingredient of Protonix®) at 709, 798, and 887 milligrams per kilogram of body weight were lethal to mice, rats, and dogs, respectively, in testing. The symptoms of Protonix® poisoning include hypoactivity, ataxia (gross lack of muscle coordination and control), absence of ear reflex, and severe tremor.
The human symptoms of Protonix® overdose include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Flushing (feeling of warmth or "hot flash")
- Headache
- Nausea (usually but not always accompanied by vomiting)
- Rapid or throbbing heartbeat
- Profuse sweating
If you experience or witness anybody experiencing any of these symptoms, contact emergency medical assistance immediately. Protonix® has been linked to permanent kidney and liver damage as well as other fatal conditions including dermatological (skin) reactions.
Contact a Protonix® Lawyer
If you've taken Protonix® in the past or are currently taking the drug in any of its forms and have experienced side effects, you may have the right to compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact one of our experienced Protonix® lawyers today to see how they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
But don't wait — your claim may be denied if the statute of limitations has expired. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation of your case.
