Why is pantoprazole taken first thing in the morning?

Pantoprazole is part of a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It is taken first thing in the morning, because that is when it is most effective. Proton pump inhibitors neutralize enzymes produced by parietal cells in your stomach. These enzymes are involved in making the stomach more acidic. By neutralizing them, the acidity in the stomach is reduced. These enzymes are only released when the parietal cells are active, and these cells become active when food is in the stomach. Pantoprazole and other proton pump inhibitors take 30-60 minutes to get into your system and be effective. That is why it is recommended that you take pantoprazole on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before the first meal of the day.

Proton pump inhibitors can take up to 24 hours to have an effect on the acid in your stomach and heartburn symptoms, so that is why it is important to take them every morning as directed. They are not like antacids such as Tums that neutralize stomach acid right away.