Anti-Acidity

Prevacid (Lansoprazole)

Prevacid is a proton pump inhibitor which prevents the stomach from producing acid. Prevacid is used to treat and forestall stomach and intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Prevacid appears as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take it orally. Prevacid as a rule is taken once a day, before a meal. Take Prevacid exactly as directed. Take right the same often and in the same amount as that prescribed by your doctor. The capsule should be swallowed whole. If you have troubles swallowing capsules, Prevacid can be opened, and the granules can be sprinkled on applesauce and swallowed immediately. The granules should not be chewed or crushed. Continue to take Prevacid even if you feel better. Do not stop taking Prevacid without talking to your doctor.

Prevacid is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include rabeprazole (Aciphex), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium). Proton pump inhibitors are used for the treatment of conditions such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome that are caused by stomach acid. Prevacid, like other proton-pump inhibitors, blocks the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. By blocking the enzyme, the production of acid is decreased, and this permits the stomach and esophagus to cure.

Take the missed dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the tablet at the next indirection scheduled time. Do not take additional medicine to make up the missed dose.

Keep Prevacid at room temperature. Store away from moisture and heat.

Heretofore taking Prevacid, tell your doctor if you ever have liver disease. You may not be able to take Prevacid, or you may demand a dosage adjustment or peculiar dosage during treatment. Prevacid is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to a future baby. If you are pregnant, do not take Prevacid without first consulting with your doctor. It is not known whether Prevacid spreads into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding a baby, do not take Prevacid without first asking your doctor. Heretofore taking lansoprazole, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• atazanavir (Reyataz);
• theophylline (such as Elixophyllin, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theobid, Theoclear, Theo-Dur, Uniphyl);
• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
• ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen);
• ketoconazole (Nizoral);
• iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others); or
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

There are no mutual serious side effects from Prevacid. Stop taking Prevacid and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Prevacid and talk to your doctor if you experience

• diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain;
• dizziness; or
• headache.

Other side effects except those listed here may occur as well. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

If you also take sucralfate (Carafate), evade taking it at the same time you take Prevacid. Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to eject Prevacid. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking lansoprazole before the time you take sucralfate.