Prevacid is a gastric acid pump inhibitor. The active ingredient in Prevacid is lansoprazole which is formulated as Prevacid Delayed-Release Capsules, Prevacid Delayed-Release Oral Suspension, and Prevacid Delayed-Release Orally Disintegrating Tablets.

Drug Uses

Prevacid is used to treat a number of gastric disorders such as stomach and intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, as well as other stomach acid related conditions.

Doctors may prescribe Prevacid for other medical conditions.

Dosage

Prevacid should be taken as prescribed. Never increase or decrease the dose without consulting a doctor.

Prevacid should be taken with a full glass of water before meals.

Do not open or crush the delayed-release capsule – it should be swallowed whole.

If you are using the orally disintegrating tablets, place the tablet in your mouth, allow it to dissolve (without chewing), and then swallow. The orally disintegrating tablet may be taken with an oral syringe if preferred.

Take the full course of Prevacid, as prescribed, even if you are feeling better.

Certain conditions may be treated with Prevacid and an antibiotic. If this is the case, ensure that you use each medication exactly as prescribed. Read the information guides for each medication and do not adjust any dose without speaking to your doctor.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, it can be taken as soon as you remember, as long as it does not clash with the next scheduled dose. In this case, rather skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

Precautions

Do not take Prevacid if you are allergic to lansoprazole.

Inform your doctor if you have liver disease.

Prevacid is not expected to harm an unborn fetus, therefore it is safe for pregnant women to use this medication. It is not yet known if Prevacid is passed into breast milk so women who are breast-feeding should discuss the risks of using Prevacid with a doctor.

Ensure that your doctor has a full knowledge of your medical history, including any other medications you are using. These include vitamin supplements, herbal medicines and over-the-counter remedies. Prevacid can react badly with certain medications.

Before using Prevacid, inform your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (a genetic metabolism disorder) because certain forms of Prevacid may contain phenylalanine.

Prevacid should not be administered to children under the age of one year.

Sucralfate should not take be taken at the same time as Prevacid because sucralfate can hinder the absorption of Prevacid. After a dose of Prevacid wait for half an hour before using sucralfate.

Side-effects

Call for emergency medical assistance if any of the following allergic symptoms occur: difficulty in breathing, hives, or swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat.

Less serious side-effects include nausea, headache, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If any other uncomfortable symptoms occur and persist, contact your doctor.

Overdose

While an overdose with Prevacid is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms, excessive doses can be dangerous. If overdose is suspected, contact emergency medical assistance immediately.

Storage

Prevacid should be kept in a cool, dry place away from sun and moisture.