Indications

Pelican (Pantoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor indicated for conditions where suppressing acid secretion is beneficial, including:

• Peptic ulcer diseases (gastric and duodenal ulcers)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Ulcers induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (in combination with antibiotics)
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome and other pathological hypersecretory conditions

Pharmacology

Pantoprazole works by irreversibly binding to the H+/K+ATPase enzyme system (the "proton pump") on the surface of the gastric parietal cells. This action inhibits the final step in gastric acid production, suppressing both basal and stimulated acid secretion for more than 24 hours.

Dosage & Administration

• Oral:
  • Benign gastric ulcer: 40 mg daily in the morning for 4 weeks.
  • GERD: 20-40 mg daily in the morning for 4 weeks. Maintenance dose is 20 mg daily.
  • Duodenal ulcer: 40 mg daily in the morning for 2 weeks.
  • H. pylori eradication: 40 mg twice daily with a combination of antibiotics (e.g., Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin or Clarithromycin and Metronidazole) for one week.
  • NSAID ulcer prophylaxis: 20 mg daily.
  • Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Initially 80 mg once daily, adjusted based on response. Doses over 80 mg should be given in two divided doses.
• IV Injection:
  • Duodenal and gastric ulcer: 40 mg once daily for 7-10 days.
  • GERD: 40 mg once daily for 7-10 days.
  • Prevention of re-bleeding: 80 mg IV, followed by an 8 mg/hour infusion for 72 hours.
  • Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: 80 mg IV every 12 hours, which may be increased if needed.

Interaction

No significant drug interactions have been observed in clinical studies.

Contraindications

Pelican is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formulation.

Side Effects

The medication is well-tolerated. Common side effects include headache and diarrhea. Rare side effects may include abdominal pain, flatulence, rash, insomnia, and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pantoprazole is a US FDA Pregnancy Category B drug. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is excreted in human milk, so a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, considering the benefit to the mother.

Precautions & Warnings

Patients should be advised not to split, chew, or crush the tablets. Long-term therapy may lead to malabsorption of Vitamin B12​ or an increased risk of osteoporosis-related disorders.

Overdose Effects

There are no known symptoms of overdose in humans. As the drug is highly protein-bound, it is not easily removed by dialysis. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

Therapeutic Class

Pelican is a proton pump inhibitor.

Storage Conditions

Store in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.