Yes, stressed Dr Dodmani. Notably, pantoprazole belongs to a class of medicines that reduce stomach acid. \u201cWhen taken for weeks or months without a real medical reason, it can inflame the kidneys and lead to a condition called interstitial nephritis. This type of inflammation does not always show early signs, which is why the damage<\/a><\/strong> often goes unnoticed until it becomes serious,\u201d said Dr Dodmani.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dr Nikhil Bhasin, consultant nephrologist and renal transplant physician, Wockhardt<\/a> Hospitals, Mumbai<\/a> Central, said the risk lies in the fact that this inflammation often develops without noticeable symptoms. \u201cBy the time patients experience signs like swelling, fatigue, or decreased urine output, the kidneys may already be under considerable stress,\u201d said Dr Bhasin.<\/p>\n Dr Bhasin explained that the kidneys function quietly, unlike the stomach or lungs do. \u201cMany people take the medicine for months, thinking it\u2019s harmless, while kidney injury slowly worsens in the background. Routine blood tests usually catch the problem much later when creatinine levels<\/a><\/strong> have already increased,\u201d said Dr Bhasin.<\/p>\n Why do people feel so safe using gas tablets every day?<\/strong><\/p>\n Since these medicines provide immediate relief, many think they are mild or harmless. \u201cIt is a strong compound that alters how the stomach works. Using it daily without supervision disrupts the body\u2019s natural acid balance and places stress on organs that operate quietly,\u201d said Dr Dodmani.<\/p>\n How can someone know if their gas medicine contains pantoprazole?<\/strong><\/p>\n The ingredient is usually listed clearly on the package. \u201cAnyone who regularly takes acidity tablets should check the composition. If pantoprazole<\/a><\/strong> is mentioned and the tablets are being used for more than a few days in a row, it\u2019s a sign to stop and seek proper advice,\u201d said Dr Dodmani.<\/p>\n People with diabetes, high blood pressure, existing mild kidney disease, and older patients are more at risk. \u201cEven healthy young adults can develop interstitial nephritis if the drug is overused,\u201d said Dr Bhasin.<\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n Is pantoprazole completely unsafe then?<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"kidneys\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/kidney_1600_getty_90eaf6.jpg\")
Is your overuse of medication affecting your kidneys? (Photo: Getty Images\/Thinkstock)<\/p>\n
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