Article: Pantoprazole

Pantoprazole
Systematic (IUPAC) name
5-(difluoromethoxy)- 2-[(3,4-dimethoxypyridin-2-yl) methylsulfinyl]- 3H-benzoimidazole
Identifiers
CAS number	102625-70-7
ATC code	A02BC02
PubChem	4679
DrugBank	APRD00073
Chemical data
Formula	C16H15F2N3O4S
Mol. weight	383.371
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	77%
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	1 hour
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	B (United States)
Legal status	Approved
Routes	Oral and Intravenous

Pantoprazole (marketed under the brand names Protium, Protonix, Pantozol, "Pantor" and Pantoloc) is a proton pump inhibitor drug used for short-term treatment of erosion and ulceration of the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Initial treatment is generally of eight weeks' duration, after which another eight week course of treatment may be considered if necessary. It can be used as a maintenance therapy for long term use after initial response is obtained.

Pharmacology

Pantoprazole is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 system. Metabolism mainly consists of demethylation by CYP2C19 followed by sulfation. Another metabolic pathway is oxidation by CYP3A4. Pantoprazole metabolites are not thought to have any pharmacological significance.

Availability

Pantoprazole was developed by Altana and is currently marketed under the brand name Protonix® by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Somac® by Pfizer "Pantor®" by Bosnalijek, and as Pantoloc® by Solvay Pharma and as Protium in the UK. It is available by prescription in controlled-release tablets.Zydus Cadila's product is called Pantodec.