Vonoprazan is a new medication that entered the Indian Market in 2024. Its chemical formula is C17H16FN3O2S. Vonoprazan is a medication that is classified as a potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) and is used to manage various acid-related gastrointestinal conditions. This medication is an alternative to medicines that use the proton pump inhibition model (PPI). PPIs can not be used to treat acid-related issues for patients who have the following conditions: 

•  Patients with a history of heart conditions (e.g., prolonged QT interval).  
•  Those with gastrointestinal bleeding or bowel perforation.  
•   Breastfeeding women (domperidone may pass into breast milk).  

Vonoprazan 20mg Tablet Uses

Vonoprazan has primarily been used for the treatment of acid-related issues in the stomach. These acid-related issues include the following: 

• Reducing associated heartburn symptoms.
• Treatment of non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection when combined with antibiotics such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin. 

Vonoprazan Tablet Working

Its mechanism is different from other medications that use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) mechanism. It works by inhibiting gastric acid secretion by competitively blocking potassium ions on the proton pump in stomach lining cells. 

Vonoprazan represents a significant advancement as well as an effective and efficient alternative to medications that are proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). 

This medication works by being a potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB). It competes with the potassium ions to bind to the proton pump, effectively blocking its function. This reduces the hydrogen ion secretion which helps reduce overall gastric acid production. Due to this mechanism, it remains effective for a long time. 

Vonoprazan Dosage and Administration

Vonoprazan is available in capsule form and can be taken with or without food. The dosage depends upon the condition it is prescribed for, and one should follow the doctor’s advice. For erosive esophagitis, the recommended dosage is once daily for up to 8 weeks. Depending upon the doctor it can be prescribed for a longer period. It is also used in combination with other medications as well. In the case of H. pylori eradication, the patient takes it twice daily with antibiotics for 14 days.

Vonoprazan Tablet Side Effects

Some of the common side effects that a patient may experience are – 

• Constipation, 
• Diarrhea, 
• Abdominal discomfort,
• Nausea, rash, and edema. 
• Vitamin B12 deficiency, low magnesium levels, and long-term fundic gland polyps. 

Vonoprazan Tablets Storage

This medication should be stored in a cool dry place and away from the reach of children. Further, In case there are any recommendations about storage, please follow them. 

Vonoprazan Interactions

There are certain medications along with which vonoprazan should not be taken. One such medication is Rilpivirine. It interacts with rilpivirine. Vonoprazan will decrease the level or effect of rilpivirine by inhibiting its absorption into the body. Other medications with which it may have serious interactions are-

• Alfentanil
• Carbamazepine
• Carbonyl iron
• Cilostazol
• Citalopram
• Clonidine
• Clopidogrel
• Colchicine
• Cyclosporine
• Dihydroergotamine
• Disopyramide
• Ergotamine
• Ethosuximide
• Everolimus
• Fentanylamobarbital
• Apalutamide
• Armodafinil
• Atazanavir
• Belzutifan
• Bexarotene
• Bosentan
• Butabarbital
• Butalbital
• Carbamazepine
• Cenobamate
• Dabrafenib
• Dasatinib
• Efavirenz
• Elagolix
• Encorafenib
• Enzalutamide
• Erlotinib
• Eslicarbazepine acetate
• Etravirine
• Fosphenytoin
• Ivosidenib
• lorlatinib
• lumacaftor/ivacaftor
• Mavacamten
• Mitapivat
• Mitotane
• Modafinil
• Nafcillin
• Nelfinavir
• Pentobarbital
• Pexidartinib
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Primidone
• Rifabutin
• Rifampin
• Rifapentine
• Sotorasib

Frequently Asked Questions