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Potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB)

VOQUEZNA (vonoprazan fumarate) is a medication used to treat acid-related stomach issues. It works by blocking the enzyme system that produces stomach acid, helping to heal damage in the esophagus and relieve heartburn. It can be used alone or combined with antibiotics to treat H. pylori infections.

How it worksThis drug works as a potassium-competitive acid blocker. It stops the final step of acid production in the stomach by blocking the 'proton pump' enzyme.

Brand names:VOQUEZNA

Used for
Healing all grades of erosive esophagitis in adultsRelieving heartburn caused by erosive esophagitisMaintaining the healing of erosive esophagitisRelieving heartburn from non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)Treating H. pylori infection when used with specific antibiotics
Conditions
Erosive esophagitisNon-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)Helicobacter pylori infection
Class
Acid BlockerProton Pump InhibitorPotassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB)Gastrointestinal

How to take

FormsOral tablet
RoutesOral

Dosage depends on whether you are healing esophagitis, maintaining healing, relieving heartburn, or treating H. pylori. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.

Take the tablets whole; do not chew or crush them. You can take them with or without food.

Key warnings

  • ·Feeling better does not mean a stomach cancer is not present; follow-up testing may be needed.
  • ·Long-term use may lead to low magnesium or calcium levels.
  • ·Long-term use may cause Vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • ·Use the shortest duration possible to avoid risks of bone fractures or C. diff diarrhea.

Do not use if

  • ·Known allergy to vonoprazan or any of its ingredients.
  • ·Use with rilpivirine-containing products.

Side effects

Common

Stomach painDiarrheaNauseaAbdominal swellingConstipationHeadacheUrinary tract infection

Serious

  • ·Severe skin reactions or signs of allergy
  • ·Kidney inflammation (acute tubulointerstitial nephritis)
  • ·C. difficile-associated diarrhea
  • ·Increased risk of bone fractures
  • ·Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • ·Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia)
  • ·Growth of fundic gland polyps in the stomach

Seek help if

  • ·Signs of an allergic reaction
  • ·Severe diarrhea
  • ·Severe skin rash

Interactions

  • ·Do not use VOQUEZNA with rilpivirine-containing products.
  • ·Avoid using VOQUEZNA with atazanavir.
  • ·Vonoprazan may change how your body absorbs certain HIV medications (antiretrovirals).
  • ·It may interact with other acid-reducing drugs like Protonix, Nexium, or Prilosec.
FoodCan be taken with or without food.

Special populations

PregnancyThere are no well-controlled studies on vonoprazan in pregnant women. A registry exists to track outcomes for women who take this drug during pregnancy.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of VOQUEZNA have not been proven in children.

GeriatricClinical trials included patients aged 65 and older; use with caution as directed by a doctor.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

  • ·Magnesium and calcium levels
  • ·Vitamin B12 levels
  • ·Signs of severe skin reactions
  • ·Symptoms of C. diff (severe diarrhea)

Questions to ask

  • ·Should I monitor my magnesium or calcium levels?
  • ·How long should I stay on this medication?
  • ·Are there any interactions with my HIV medications?
  • ·Do I need follow-up testing for stomach cancer?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetAntisecretory effect occurs within 2 to 3 hours
Half-lifeApproximately 6.8 to 7.9 hours
DurationEffect is maintained for over 24 hours

Practical

StorageStore between 68°F and 77°F (15°C to 30°C).

Ingredients

Inactive

Ascorbic acidCroscarmellose sodiumFerric oxide redFerric oxide yellowFumaric acidHydroxypropyl celluloseMannitolMicrocrystalline celluloseMagnesium stearateHypromellosePolyethylene glycol 8000Titanium dioxide

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.