Pantoprazole+levosulpiride
About Pantoprazole+levosulpiride
Levosulpiride+pantoprazole belongs to a group of medicines called gastrointestinal agents used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acidity, indigestion, heartburn, and peptic ulcers. Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus); this causes acidity and heartburn. Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the inner lining of the intestine and stomach.
Levosulpiride+pantoprazole is a combination of two drugs, namely: Pantoprazole (proton pump inhibitor) and Levosulpiride (prokinetic agent). Pantoprazole works by blocking the action of an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for the production of acid. Levosulpiride works by increasing the pressure of the inferior oesophageal (food pipe) sphincter, thereby preventing the backflow of food and acid into the mouth. Together, Levosulpiride+pantoprazole helps in preventing acid reflux, thereby providing relief from acidity and heartburn.
You are advised to take Levosulpiride+pantoprazole as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, gas, dry mouth, dizziness and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Inform your doctor before taking Levosulpiride+pantoprazole if you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or intestinal obstruction. On long-term treatment, Levosulpiride+pantoprazole may cause osteoporosis and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels). Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Levosulpiride+pantoprazole may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Levosulpiride+pantoprazole should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Levosulpiride+pantoprazole as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate the production of stomach acid.
Uses of Pantoprazole+levosulpiride
Medicinal Benefits
Levosulpiride+pantoprazole belongs to a group of medicines called gastrointestinal agents used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, acidity, indigestion heartburn, and peptic ulcers. Levosulpiride+pantoprazole is a combination of two drugs, namely: Pantoprazole (proton pump inhibitor) and Levosulpiride (prokinetic agent). Pantoprazole works by blocking the action of an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for the production of acid. Levosulpiride works by increasing the pressure of the inferior oesophageal (food pipe) sphincter, thereby preventing the backflow of food and acid into the mouth. Together, Levosulpiride+pantoprazole helps in preventing acid reflux, thereby provides relief from acidity and heartburn.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pantoprazole+levosulpiride
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
Drug Warnings
Do not take Levosulpiride+pantoprazole if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have a history of pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland), epilepsy, mania, gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, or severe kidney and liver impairment. Levosulpiride+pantoprazole may cause osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels) on long-term treatment. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Levosulpiride+pantoprazole may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert. Levosulpiride+pantoprazole should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Levosulpiride+pantoprazole as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate the production of stomach acid.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Levosulpiride+pantoprazole may interact with medicines such as anti-fungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole) anti-cancer (erlotinib), blood thinner (warfarin, phenprocoumon), anti-HIV (atazanavir), a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and cancer (methotrexate), anti-depressant (fluvoxamine), antibiotic (rifampicin), and herbal supplement (St John’s wort).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland), epilepsy, mania, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD), liver disease, bone fractures, hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Levosulpiride+pantoprazole. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Levosulpiride+pantoprazole if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionLevosulpiride+pantoprazole may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking Levosulpiride+pantoprazole; your doctor will decide whether Levosulpiride+pantoprazole can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionLevosulpiride+pantoprazole causes dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Levosulpiride+pantoprazole if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Levosulpiride+pantoprazole if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeLevosulpiride+pantoprazole should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Eat smaller meals more often.
Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
Avoid lying down after eating.
Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
Practise relaxation techniques and avoid stress by doing yoga or meditation.
Avoid foods such as high-fat food, spicy food, chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, onion, garlic, tea and soda.
Avoid sitting continuously as it may trigger acidity. Take a break of 5 minutes every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acidity: The stomach is usually protected from acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets eroded, which leads to complications like GERD, acidity, heartburn, and peptic ulcers.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): It occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn and acidity. Symptoms include heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Peptic ulcers: Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach and intestine due to erosion of the stomach's protective lining. Symptoms include nausea, changes in appetite, bloody or dark stools, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and indigestion.
Indigestion: Indigestion is the feeling of fullness. It occurs due to slow gastric emptying. Symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.
FAQs
Levosulpiride+pantoprazole is used to treat Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, acidity, indigestion, heartburn, and peptic ulcers.
Levosulpiride+pantoprazole works by blocking the action of an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for the production of acid. It prevents the backflow of food and acid into the mouth.
Avoid lying down immediately after meals to prevent acid reflux. Raise the head of the bed 10-20cm by putting a pillow so that the head and chest are above the waist. This helps in preventing acid reflux.
Levosulpiride+pantoprazole contains pantoprazole which might increase the risk of osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones). This mainly occurs in people taking higher doses of Levosulpiride+pantoprazole for longer durations. Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements if you are at risk of osteoporosis.
Do not take Levosulpiride+pantoprazole for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. Talk to your doctor if you do not find symptomatic relief. The doctor may monitor your condition regularly if you are on long term treatment with Levosulpiride+pantoprazole.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Levosulpiride+pantoprazole. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Levosulpiride+pantoprazole. Drink enough fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
