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Is Prontix Advisable For Constant Gagging Sensation In The Throat?
I was diagnosised with barrets in 2015 and was put on 20mg omeprasole. I constantly have to clear my throat and was told to take omeprasole 2X day for 2 weeks to see if that helped but it did not stop completly. Now they want me to take 40mg prontix for 30 days. I have concerns about taking it.
Tue, 11 Oct 2016
Hello,
I read your message carefully and understood your concern.
Protonix is the brand name for pantoprazole. Omeprazole and pantoprazole are both classified in the same class of drugs (PPI drugs) and their mechanism of action is the same. They both make your stomach produce less acid and relief your gagging sensation.
You have Barret's esophagus which is a progression of the GERD. You must not wait for these drugs to completely eliminate your gagging because some structure changes have occurred.
Barret's esophagus means that your esophagus is shorter than normal seen in the function point of view. Constant reflux has made the part of the esophagus near stomach resemble the stomach epithelium to protect itself from the stomach acid that goes up like reflux masses.
Omeprazole and pantoprazole are equal drugs. They have the same indications and they only change in some drug qualities. Pantoprazole is more effective, stronger and can be prescribed for a longer period of time.
Now let me clear why these drugs substitute each other. Each patient is unique and is comfortable with one drug more than the other. First, the doctor prescribes omeprazole. If the patient is not comfortable another PPI drug is prescribed.
In general practice, patients change two or three times their acid reducer drug till the most appropriate for them is found. Pantoprazole (or Protonix) is more effective in treating erosive manifestations of acid reflux and is taken only with the doctor's prescription.
My advice is to start pantoprazole as your doctor has prescribed to you. It will make you feel better results regarding your symptoms and prevent Barret's disease to progress more.
If you notice any side effects please contact your doctor. Make sure you don't use immunosuppressive drugs. The dosage 40mg is considered safe. These drugs are all well tolerated by patients and side effects are not usual.
Take care to avoid the reflux triggers like spicy food, alcohol and stress. Make sure to continue the drug until the end. Symptoms usually improve before you finish the treatment but you must take pantoprazole for 30 days as was prescribed. Do not stop it before.
I hope this was helpful for you.
Good luck.
Dr.Albana
I read your message carefully and understood your concern.
Protonix is the brand name for pantoprazole. Omeprazole and pantoprazole are both classified in the same class of drugs (PPI drugs) and their mechanism of action is the same. They both make your stomach produce less acid and relief your gagging sensation.
You have Barret's esophagus which is a progression of the GERD. You must not wait for these drugs to completely eliminate your gagging because some structure changes have occurred.
Barret's esophagus means that your esophagus is shorter than normal seen in the function point of view. Constant reflux has made the part of the esophagus near stomach resemble the stomach epithelium to protect itself from the stomach acid that goes up like reflux masses.
Omeprazole and pantoprazole are equal drugs. They have the same indications and they only change in some drug qualities. Pantoprazole is more effective, stronger and can be prescribed for a longer period of time.
Now let me clear why these drugs substitute each other. Each patient is unique and is comfortable with one drug more than the other. First, the doctor prescribes omeprazole. If the patient is not comfortable another PPI drug is prescribed.
In general practice, patients change two or three times their acid reducer drug till the most appropriate for them is found. Pantoprazole (or Protonix) is more effective in treating erosive manifestations of acid reflux and is taken only with the doctor's prescription.
My advice is to start pantoprazole as your doctor has prescribed to you. It will make you feel better results regarding your symptoms and prevent Barret's disease to progress more.
If you notice any side effects please contact your doctor. Make sure you don't use immunosuppressive drugs. The dosage 40mg is considered safe. These drugs are all well tolerated by patients and side effects are not usual.
Take care to avoid the reflux triggers like spicy food, alcohol and stress. Make sure to continue the drug until the end. Symptoms usually improve before you finish the treatment but you must take pantoprazole for 30 days as was prescribed. Do not stop it before.
I hope this was helpful for you.
Good luck.
Dr.Albana
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