The Basics
What is Pantoprazole?
A proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Brand names for Pantoprazole
Protonix
How Pantoprazole is classified
Anti-Ulcer Agents, Gastrointestinal Agents, Proton Pump Inhibitors
Pantoprazole During Pregnancy
Pantoprazole pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Pantoprazole while pregnant
N/A
Taking Pantoprazole While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Pantoprazole?
Maternal pantoprazole doses of 40 mg daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Maternal pantoprazole doses of 40 mg daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Possible effects of Pantoprazole on milk supply
A retrospective claims database study in the United States found that users of proton pump inhibitors had an increased risk of gynecomastia.[3]
Possible alternatives to Pantoprazole
Cimetidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine, Omeprazole, Ranitidine, Sucralfate.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Plante L, Ferron GM, Unruh M et al. Excretion of pantoprazole in human breast. J Reprod Med. 2004;49:825-7. PMID: 15568407
2. Bor S, Karacaoglu S, Ergun P et al. The levels of pantoprazole in human breast milk and plasma: Two compartment model. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2017;29:79-80. Abstract. DOI: doi:10.1111/nmo.13180
3. He B, Carleton B, Etminan M. Risk of gynecomastia with users of proton pump inhibitors. Pharmacotherapy. 2019;39:614-8. PMID: 30865318
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
