Acid reflux and inflammation of the food pipe, stomach and duodenal ulcers, protection against ulcers from anti-inflammatory painkillers, part of Helicobacter pylori treatment, and rare acid-overproducing conditions.

The stomach's lining cells pump acid out through proton pumps. Pantoprazole is activated by the acid and then binds those pumps irreversibly, so acid production stays low until new pumps are made. The lower acid lets inflamed tissue and ulcers heal.

Headache, diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain and wind. These are usually mild.

Take it before a meal, usually in the morning. Long-term use is reviewed rather than simply repeated, because of links to low magnesium and vitamin B12, gut infections and a small rise in fracture risk. Tell your doctor about liver disease. Alarm symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools or unexplained weight loss need investigation, not just acid suppression. It is a prescription medicine in Pakistan.