Protopan-20 Tablet belongs to the class of drugs known as Proton pump inhibitor, which reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. It treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcer, Zollinger Ellison syndrome (overproduction of acid due to pancreatic tumour), duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and Crohn’s Disease-associated Ulcers.

Protopan-20 Tablet helps in reducing stomach acid by blocking the actions of an enzyme (H+/K+ ATPase or gastric proton pump). This proton pump lies in the cells of the stomach wall and is responsible for the release of gastric acid secretion, damaging tissues in the food pipe, stomach and duodenum. Protopan-20 Tablet prevents the release of stomach acid and relieves symptoms of food pipe lining inflammation (esophagitis), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn.

Protopan-20 Tablet may have common side effects like headache, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence, dizziness, and arthralgia (joint pain).  These side effects are temporary and may be resolved after some time. However, if these side effects persist, please contact the doctor.

Protopan-20 Tablet is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers but should be taken only after consulting a doctor. Tell your doctor if you have stomach or intestinal cancer, liver problems, are allergic to Protopan-20 Tablet  or will have an endoscopy in the future. Prolonged intake of Protopan-20 Tablet may cause a deficiency of Vitamin B12 and low levels of calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D, leading to osteoporosis.

Protopan-20 Tablet is effective at healing erosive esophagitis (inflammation of food pipe), relieving symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and Crohn’s Disease-associated Ulcers. Protopan-20 Tablet works by irreversibly blocking the proton pump gate (which secretes stomach acid). It can be prescribed to all age groups, including special populations like the elderly, pregnant, lactating mothers, and kidney and liver disease patients. 

• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Flatulence
• Dizziness
• Arthralgia (joint pain)

You should avoid taking Protopan-20 Tablet if you are allergic to Protopan-20 Tablet or proton pump inhibitors, have gastric cancer, liver disease, low magnesium level (osteoporosis), low vitamin B12, pregnant or planning for pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers. Protopan-20 Tablet may interact with a blood thinner (warfarin), antifungal (ketoconazole), anti-HIV drug (atazanavir, nelfinavir), iron supplements, ampicillin antibiotic, anti-cancer drug (methotrexate). Let your doctor know if you are taking these medicines. Prolonged intake of Protopan-20 Tablet may cause lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition in which the immune system attacks its own tissues), Vitamin B12, and magnesium deficiency. Intake of Protopan-20 Tablet may mask the symptoms of gastric cancer, so if you have any severe stomach pain or gastric bleeding (blood in mucous or stool), immediately consult the doctor. 

• Avoid intake of acid or heartburn-triggering foods or drinks like onions, peppermint, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes and high-fat and spicy foods.

• Before going to sleep, raise your bedhead so that your head and chest are higher than your feet. Do not use piles of pillows; one raised block is fine. This will not allow the stomach acid to backflow through your food pipe.

• Avoid taking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Alcohol can raise the level of production of stomach acid, leading to heartburn and acid reflux. On the other hand, nicotine smoking damages the valve (sphincter), preventing the backflow of the stomach acid into the food pipe.

• Include high fibre-containing foods, berries, cherries, leafy green veggies (kale, spinach) and black peppers in your meal. These foods are full of antioxidants, calcium and vitamin B12 that can help cope with the long-term effects of the medicine. Fermented dairy products like miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics which help in the prevention of excess stomach acid production. Cranberry juice can be beneficial for peptic ulcers and H. Pyroli infection.

• Avoid regular sitting continuously, as it can increase stomach acid production. Try to take a break of 5 minutes in 1 hour by brisk walking or stretching.