11 DESCRIPTION
The active ingredient in PROTONIX I.V. (pantoprazole sodium), a PPI, is a substituted benzimidazole, sodium 5-(difluoromethoxy)-2-[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl] sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole, a compound that inhibits gastric acid secretion. Its empirical formula is C16H14F2N3NaO4S, with a molecular weight of 405.4. The structural formula is:

Pantoprazole sodium is a white to off-white crystalline powder and is racemic. Pantoprazole has weakly basic and acidic properties. Pantoprazole sodium is freely soluble in water, very slightly soluble in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4, and practically insoluble in n-hexane. The stability of the compound in aqueous solution is pH-dependent. The rate of degradation increases with decreasing pH. The reconstituted solution of PROTONIX I.V. for injection is in the pH range 9.0 to 10.5.
PROTONIX I.V. is supplied for intravenous administration as a sterile, freeze-dried powder in a single-dose clear glass vial fitted with a rubber stopper and crimp seal. Each vial contains 40 mg pantoprazole (equivalent to 45.1 mg of pantoprazole sodium), edetate disodium (1 mg), and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.