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Does pantoprazole cause bloating?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 1, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Bloating has been reported as a side effect of regular pantoprazole use. One study reported bloating in 43% of patients taking a similar proton pump inhibitor to pantoprazole (called esomeprazole) after 8 weeks. By 6 months, over 50% reporting bloating. Other similar side effects reported with pantoprazole that also can have bloating as a side effect include flatulence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Symptoms of bloating include tightness, fullness, or swelling of your stomach area.

Bloating is not commonly reported as a side effect of short-term pantoprazole use. But because pantoprazole decreases acid secretion, it can affect the digestive process and the breakdown of food and cause bloating. Some research suggests untreated Helicobacter pylori may flare up during pantoprazole treatment which may be responsible for bloating with pantoprazole.

References
  • Compare, D., Pica, L., Rocco, A., De Giorgi, F., Cuomo, R., Sarnelli, G., Romano, M. and Nardone, G. (2011), Effects of long-term PPI treatment on producing bowel symptoms and SIBO. European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 41: 380-386. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2362.2010.02419.x
  • Pantoprazole Updated Jan 1, 2021. AvPAK. https://www.drugs.com/pro/pantoprazole.html#s-34084-4

Read next

Pantoprazole vs. omeprazole: What's the difference between them?

Pantoprazole and omeprazole are both medicines from the class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The approved uses for pantoprazole and omeprazole differ slightly, but they are all disorders related to too much stomach acid. Continue reading

Can you take pantoprazole 40 mg twice a day?

The usual dosage for pantoprazole 40mg is 40mg once a day if you are buying it without a prescription or a physician's evaluation of your symptoms. The only conditions that pantoprazole 40mg twice a day is recommended for are those characterized by excessively high gastric acid secretion such as Zollinger Ellison syndrome, and if you have these conditions then you should be under the care of a physician. Studies have shown that for reflux, dyspepsia, or GERD, dosages higher than 40mg did not offer any further significant lowering of stomach acid than 40mg dosages. Continue reading

How long can I take pantoprazole?

You should only take pantoprazole for up to 8 weeks if you are buying it without a prescription or a physician evaluation of your symptoms. This is because certain stomach symptoms that persist for more than 4 to 8 weeks should be investigated by a doctor, as they may be a sign of something more serious, such as cancer. Pantoprazole is very good at relieving and hiding serious stomach symptoms, which may make you think you don’t need to see a physician. Long-term use of pantoprazole has also been associated with vitamin B12 deficiency; low magnesium, calcium, iron, or vitamin C levels; and an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine. Elderly, the malnourished, or those on dialysis are more at risk. Continue reading

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