Prevacid
Lansoprazole
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Prevacid
Prevacid is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drug. It acts by blocking the production of acid in the stomach. Prevacid, like other proton pump inhibitors, blocks the enzyme that produces acid (HCl or hydrochloric acid) in the wall of the stomach. By blocking the enzyme, the production of acid is decreased which allows the stomach and esophagus to heal. Other proton pump inhibitors are rabeprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole etc.
Therapeutic Uses of Prevacid
Prevacid is used in the treatment of diseases which causes increased production of acid in the stomach or due to increased acid. These diseases include stomach and intestinal ulcers (peptic ulcer), erosive esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Zollinger Ellison Syndrome that are caused by stomach acid. Prevacid is also used in prevention of the above mentioned disease.
Direction of use of Prevacid
Prevacid is available as an extended release (long-acting) capsule, which is taken orally once a day before meal, preferably in the morning. Swallow the capsule as a whole with a glass of water. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, Prevacid capsule can be opened, and the granules can be sprinkled on applesauce and swallowed immediately. The granules should not be chewed or crushed. Do not increase the dose of Prevacid or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor. Take it as directed by your doctor. Keep taking Prevacid even if you feel better and do not stop it without consulting your doctor.
If You Miss a Dose of Prevacid
If you miss a dose of Prevacid, take it as soon as you remember even if you have already taken food. If you miss for long and it is dinner time or already you have taken dinner, you should skip the missed dose and take it in the next morning as regular dose. Do not take 2 doses of Prevacid at a time.
How to Store Prevacid
Prevacid should be stored at room temperature. Store it away from moisture, heat and direct light. Keep Prevacid out of reach of children. Do not store Prevacid in your bathroom.
More Information About Prevacid
If you are also taking sucralfate, avoid taking it at the same time you take Prevacid. You should take sucralfate after 30 minutes to one hour of taking Prevacid, because sucralfate make it harder to absorb Prevacid.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Prevacid
- You should inform your doctor if you have any liver disease if you have to take Prevacid. If you have liver disease you may not be able to take Prevacid, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
- Prevacid is in the FDA pregnancy category B, which means it is not expected to be harmful to fetus. But you should not take it without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is not clear whether Prevacid passes into breast milk, but you should not take Prevacid without consulting your doctor if you are breast feeding your baby.
- If you have to take Prevacid, you should inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine which may interact with Prevacid. The drugs which may interact with Prevacid are atazanavir, theophylline, ampicillin, digoxin, iron preparations, ketoconazole (antifungal), warfarin (anticoagulant).
Possible Adverse Effects of Prevacid
- Prevacid has very few serious side effects and they are very rare. If you experience any allergic reaction to Prevacid, stop taking it and seek emergency medical attention. Manifestations of allergic reaction are hives, difficulty in breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
- There are some less serious side effects of Prevacid which are more common than serious side effects. If you experience any less serious side effects keep taking Prevacid and consult your doctor. The less serious side effects of Prevacid are diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache etc.
- There may also be some side effects that are not included in the above list. If you get any side effects that are not included above you should consult your doctor, especially if it is bothering you.