Generic Protonix is in a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Generic Protonix is used to treat erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excess stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Take Generic Protonix exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Generic Protonix tablets can be taken with or without food. Generic Protonix oral granules should be taken 30 minutes before a meal.

Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Swallow it whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill will damage this coating.

The oral granules should be mixed only with applesauce or apple juice to make swallowing easy.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Generic Protonix: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Generic Protonix and call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of low magnesium such as:

• fast or uneven heart rate;
• jerking muscle movements;
• feeling jittery;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• muscle cramps, muscle weakness or limp feeling;
• cough or choking feeling; or
• headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizure, or shallow breathing

Less serious Generic Protonix side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• weight changes;
• nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea;
• gas, stomach pain;
• dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;
• joint pain; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

This medication can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking Generic Protonix and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Generic Protonix should not be taken together with atazanavir (Reyataz) or nelfinavir (Viracept). Tell your doctor if you are taking either of these medications to treat HIV or AIDS.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• ampicillin (Principen, Unasyn);
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
• a diuretic (water pill);
• ketoconazole (Nizoral);
• iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others); or
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Generic Protonix.

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once.

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.