Acid reflux is a gastric disorder. It creates a bitter taste in your mouth along with pain in your chest region, and discomforts in the gastric tract. Research attributes erratic opening / closing of a sphincter present at end of esophagus as a key cause for acid reflux; a dysfunctional valve lets stomach acids to enter into your food pipe. Pantoprazole is a popular medication to treat acid reflux. But why take pantoprazole first thing in the morning? It is worth your while to know more.
Acid reflux is also labelled as heartburn. Those who lead a life full of anxieties, drink too much alcohol or smoke may also lead to heartburn. Intake of large-sized meals, eating late into the night or consuming spicy / greasy foods can cause this gastric disease.
Several million Americans encounter this condition each month. Many of them take antacids through over-the-counter route. But, if your condition persists after taking OTC meds, if is a vital thing to see a qualified medical practitioner.
Drugs belonging to a class of meds called proton pump inhibitors are used to reduce acids in the gastric tract. Such meds are also prescribed for the treatment of GERD as well as stomach ulcers. You are also advised to make a few dietary and lifestyle changes while taking these drugs. For instance, never take a sleeping position immediately after a meal, minimise the intake of chocolate, soda or coffee.
What is pantoprazole?
Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor i.e., PPI. Its key use rests in reduction of acid levels inside the tummy. Active substances inhibit acid production by suppressing enzymes concerned. Once acid levels come down, you are relieved from adverse effects of GERD. Medication plans issue doses varying from 20 milligrams (mg) to 40 mg.
Pantoprazole is not known to fetch an immediate remedy. Often, it takes almost 4 days’ time for this drug to act in full. You are advised to follow the instructions of your treating doctor without fail. For example – do not cut or chew this med; it can make this med to lose some of its efficacy.
Why take pantoprazole first thing in the morning?
This mainly because this PPI works well when you take it before your morning meal. However, this med may work relatively fine if taken at other timeslots; but this med is at its best when taken in the morning hours. Due to this, doctors often prescribe pantoprazole half-hour prior to the first meal of the day.
Over the night, you are fasting and hence your acid-pumps are ready to release acids soon after your morning meal. So, when you take this med before breakfast, you can suppress acid production to a substantial level. If you have not taken it in the morning, you may need to wait until you have lunch. This drug may still suppress acids but not as effective as it does in the morning hours.
Pantoprazole can lead to undesired effects if consumed with some drugs. It is hence a good thing to talk to your doctor of other meds you are taking. If you need to know more on why take pantoprazole first thing in the morning, it is highly recommended to talk to a qualified caregiving team and / or your pharmacist.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.