I am pregnant, can I take pantoprazole?

Question

I am 6 weeks pregnant, a prescription that I usually take only when needed, and I have had more reflux since the pregnancy Hello, thank you so much for your feedback! I'll make a note of it! Happy holidays to you!

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello Ma'am, Reflux is common in pregnant women, as the baby takes up more and more space in the abdomen. For occasional reflux in pregnancy, calcium, magnesium, or aluminum antacids are favored, or as a second line of treatment, Ranitidine. Both are available in pharmacies. I suggest you talk to your pharmacist to check for interactions with your medications. Taking Pantoloc only "as needed" is less effective, since the time to onset of action of the medication is much longer (in a few days if taken regularly) than the antacids or Ranitidine recommended above. Also, in the Proton Pump Inhibitor family, there are more studies with the use of Omeprazole in pregnant women, compared to Pantoloc. Therefore, Omeprazole is more recommended for use in this family of drugs. This medication is also available in pharmacies (without a prescription)! So, for all these reasons, I suggest that you talk to your pharmacist about first line treatments such as antacids (calcium, magnesium or aluminum based) or Ranitidine. I also suggest; Elevate the head of the bed 10-15 cm (really at the base of the mattress and not just adding an extra pillow under your head) - if you have symptoms at bedtime Lie on your left side Avoid eating 2-3h before bedtime and eat small meals more frequently, Avoid spicy/fatty foods/soft drinks/tomato-based juices/tea Avoid drinking with eating (ex. drinking after meals) If you have weight loss, difficulty eating, fever, nausea or vomiting, or severe headaches, it would be safest to see your doctor. If in 2 weeks you still do not get control of your symptoms with the medication on the shelves, I would advise you to make an appointment with your doctor to evaluate the condition. I hope this answers your question. Maeva Di-Ré, Pharmacy Student Supervised by Alexandre Chagnon, Pharmacist To you too :) Happy day, Alexander