Purpose of Pantoprazole (Pantaloc) prescription post valve replacement...

[Ella4hubby]

I know this is probably a question for my dh's doctor, but just wondering if anyone knows why this medication, Pantoprazole (Pantoloc) would be prescribed post valve surgery. The discharge orders were written for my husband when I was not present, nor was I able to talk to the doctor about the meds prescribed once I came to bring my dh home. The prescription is for 3 months.

I know that Pantoloc is technically called a Proton pump inhibitor and is used to prevent acidity in the stomach, normally for people with stomach ulcers...which is not the case for my husband. He is on Coumadin for 3 months also, as well as a buffered form of Aspirin, for anticoagulation effect following his valve replacement. Could it be that the Pantoloc is to counter some stomach acidity effect of the Coumadin and/or the Aspirin?

We will see my dh's surgeon for his 1st follow-up appointment in 2 weeks and his cardiologist in 3 weeks...just wondering about possible answers before those appointments.

Anyone else on Pantoloc or something similar?

 

[Freddie]

Maybe it's for precautionary measures,

Proton pump inhibitors are used to treat conditions such as stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, reflux esophagitis) by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces. Pantoprazole is also sometimes used along with antibiotics to treat stomach ulcers that are caused by bacteria known as H. pylori.

It can also be used to treat or reduce the risk of stomach ulcers due to medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which irritate the stomach.

Pantoprazole can also be used to treat or reduce the risk of stomach ulcers due to medications.

If you can't call your doctor to ask for the real reason, call your pharmacist.

 

[Ella4hubby]

Thanks Freddie for your response.

It's unlikely that I can get info from the surgeon--he is super busy. I did ask the pharmacist about it when filling the prescription but he just gave me the same info you mention, not knowing what the doctor was intending.

I guess the most likely reason would be your last suggestion, that of reducing the risk of stomach ulcers which could be caused by the Aspirin...even though it is a coated formulation. But I will just carry on till we see the doctor in a few weeks. I'm a nurse and I just like to know what I or my husband are taking, especially as it is for 3 months...

Thanks again for your input Freddie.

 

[tom in MO]

I was on some type of antiacid in hospital as a "general good measure". I was not continued on it after release.

 

[JimH]

I had a mitral valve repair and aortic valve (tissue) replacement a few weeks ago. They gave me a 14 day script for this medicine when I left the hospital. They also have me on Metaprolol Tartrate for blood pressure and one baby aspirin per day. I didn't ask much about the Pantoprazole script once they said it was just for 14 days.

 

[Ella4hubby]

Thanks tom in MO and JimH for your responses. Obviously it has a purpose though seems to be varying ideas on how long to use it.

Besides the Coumadin and buffered Aspirin, my husband is also on Sotalol (another kind of Beta Blocker). This was begun in hospital as my dh developed some mild Atrial fibrillation early on day 3 after surgery--apparently a common issue following this kind of surgery. He has had no more instances of the A-fib, and the Sotalol keeps his heart rate slower and blood pressure low--assume the need for the Sotalol will be reviewed by the surgeon or the cardiologist.

I think I will just bring this up once we get to dh's follow-up appointment in 1 & 1/2 weeks time...

 

[virginian777]

i was tol it's for the pain killers they can upset your stomach

 

[Ella4hubby]

i was tol it's for the pain killers they can upset your stomach

Thanks virginian777. I wondered about that too, but my dh was on only 2 regular Tylenol's during his hospital stay and discharge prescription was for Extra Strength Tylenol=650mg, but at home, he has basically used regular strength Tylenol (325mg/tablet) and I gave my husband what he asked for which was 1-2 during the day every 6 or more hours and 2 regular strength tabs at night for sleep. Pain has not really been an issue for my dh--the guy has a super high pain tolerance level. Describes his "pain" as discomfort or tightness.

I guess even Tylenol could cause some stomach irritation, but the prescription was only for the first 2 weeks...and we are now at week 3. My dh only takes 1-2 regular strength Tylenol at bedtime, as he often gets achy in the night. So just seems strange that the Pantaloc would be prescribed for 3 months...

I may just call in with my question to the doctor before we actually go in...