Peptic UlcersThe word peptic is defined as pertaining to, or associated with, digestion. The term peptic ulcer refers to a break in the surface lining of the stomach or duodenum which is deep enough to produce a shallow crater (ulcer) in its wall.Peptic ulcers are found approximately four times as often in the duodenum than in the stomach, and can also be found, albeit rarely, in the lower esophagus or beyond the duodenum in the small intestine.Symptoms:

• Peptic ulcers are usually chronic and may come and go over a period of many years, even without treatment. The most common symptoms are:


• Abdominal pain, usually located in the upper central abdomen


• Pain which may also be felt in the back pain


• Pain which may be worse when the stomach is empty; although not always the case, this pain can sometimes be relieved by eating


• Pain which wakes a patient from sleep


• Indigestion or heartburn,


• Vomiting and anemia

Remedial measures:Protonix contain Pantoprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. This medication relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and persistent cough. It helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Pantoprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• Patients who are allergic to any ingredient or other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) should not take it.


• Relief of your symptoms while on this product does not exclude the possibility that serious stomach conditions are present.


• It may increase the risk of getting severe diarrhea due to an intestinal infection caused by Clostridium difficile. Call your doctor right away if you have diarrhea, cramps, and fever that does not go away.


• PPI therapy may be associated with increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist or spine.


• Patients should use the lowest dose and shortest duration of PPI appropriate to the condition being treated.


• Low magnesium can happen in some patients who take proton pump inhibitor medicines for at least 3 months. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms of low magnesium: seizures, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms or cramps.


• The most frequently reported side effects for PROTONIX in adults were headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, gas, dizziness, and joint pain.


• The most frequently reported side effects for PROTONIX in children 1 to 16 years of age were upper respiratory infections, headache, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, and abdominal pain.


• Before taking PROTONIX, tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs containing ampicillin, atazanavir, iron, ketoconazole, nelfinavir or warfarin. If you are taking PROTONIX with warfarin, you may need to have certain laboratory tests monitored because serious problems could occur.


• Use of PROTONIX along with high doses of methotrexate may increase blood levels of methotrexate, possibly leading to methotrexate toxicity.