Prevacid (Lansoprazole)

Description

This is another of the Proton Pump Inhibitor class of drugs. Prevacid uses lansoprazole as the main ingredient. It works by reducing acid production rates in the stomach.

 

Prevacid is implemented in the treatment and prevention of ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and other acid related conditions in the digestive tract.

 

The drug can be bought over the counter for people suffering from regular, frequent heartburn (twice a week or more).

 

It is not, however, an immediate relief drug for heartburn.

 

 

 

Important data

 

Never get confused between the symptoms of heartburn and a heart attack. If you notice symptoms like spreading pain in the arm and shoulder, nausea and chest pain, call emergency services.

 

If you have a history of hepatic and kidney diseases, or if you are suffering from a magnesium deficiency, make sure you tell your doctor.

 

Depending on your condition, you may be prescribed Prevacid in conjunction with other antibiotics. Make sure you take them all in the appropriate doses.

 

If you are currently on a course of sucralfate, tell your doctor. The two drugs can interact and make lansoprazole uptake harder for the body.

 

Do not take Prevacid if you are allergic to the main ingredient, or if you have bone conditions such as osteoporosis.

 

If you are taking the OTC version of Prevacid, do not take it if you experience difficulty in swallowing, bloody stools, regular, enduring heartburn, and frequent angina.

 

Prevacid and other PPIs are thought to increase the risk of a fracture in the wrist, spine and hip. This is more common in older people who have taken the drug for a long time.

 

Prevacid isn’t thought to have an effect on unborn children. You should still tell your medical provider if you are currently pregnant or plan on it.

 

If you are nursing a baby, tell your doctor. The tendency of Prevacid to pass to a child through breast milk in unknown.

 

Certain types of this drug contain the ingredient phenylalanine, which can be harmful to people with phenylketonuria.

 

Never give prescription Prevacid to a child under the age of 1 year. Never give OTC Prevacid to children younger than 18.

 

Dosage

 

Take Prevacid exactly as you have been instructed to by your doctor. Never take larger or smaller doses of the drug.
Take the drug before meals and make sure OTC Prevacid is taken before breakfast. The liquid form of the dug must be shaken well and measured precisely.

 

The delayed release form of the drug should not be crushed, chewed or broken. It can be opened and sprinkled on soft food like applesauce, but must never be chewed.

 

Typical dosage for OTC Prevacid is one a day for 2 weeks. Prolonged use can result in a vitamin B12 deficiency.

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss a dose of Prevacid, take it as soon as you know. Ignore the dose if you are about to take the next one. Never take double doses.

 

If you overdose, call emergency services immediately.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Nausea
 Gas
 Diarrhea
 Constipation
 Headache

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Severe abdominal pain
 Bloody diarrhea
 Seizures
 Kidney issues
 Magnesium deficiency

 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience these.

 

Contraindications

 

Never take Prevacid at the same time as sucralfate.

 

Stop taking the drug if you have an allergic reaction, or if you are on warfarin, antivirals or antifungals.