Prevacid

Generic name: Lansoprazole

What is Prevacid?

Prevacid is a medicine that blocks the production of stomach acid. Prevacid belongs to a class of drugs known as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). It is prescribed for the short-term treatment of stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), and heartburn or other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Prevacid is also used to prevent a relapse of duodenal ulcer or esophagitis; to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in people who develop ulcers while taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); for long-term treatment of certain diseases marked by excessive acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome; and as part of a combination treatment to eliminate the Helicobacter pylori infection that causes most cases of duodenal ulcer.

What is the most important information I should know about Prevacid?

Take Prevacid for the full length of treatment your doctor prescribes. Continue to take the drug and see your doctor even if you begin to feel better. Do not take Prevacid any longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Prevacid should not be used for long-term therapy of duodenal ulcer or erosive esophagitis. Prevacid has no effect on stomach cancer, which may be present even if Prevacid relieves your symptoms.

Who should not take Prevacid?

Do not take Prevacid if you've ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you've ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or macrolide antibiotics, such as clarithromycin or erythromycin.

Avoid Prevacid if you're taking cisapride, pimozide, astemizole, or terfenadine. Combining Prevacid with these drugs could cause dangerous, and even fatal, heartbeat irregularities.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Prevacid?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Prevacid. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have liver disease or phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Eradication of Ulcer-Causing Bacteria (H. pylori)

Adults: To eliminate the H. pylori bacteria that cause most duodenal ulcers, Prevacid is taken with amoxicillin alone or amoxicillin and Biaxin. When combined with amoxicillin only, the usual dosage is 30 mg of Prevacid and 1 gram of amoxicillin 3 times daily for 14 days. If all 3 drugs are used, the usual dosage is 30 milligrams of Prevacid, 1 gram of amoxicillin, and 500 mg of Biaxin twice daily for 10 to 14 days.

Prevention of Stomach Ulcer Due to Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Adults: The usual dose is 15 mg once a day for up to 12 weeks.

Prevention of Duodenal Ulcer Relapse

Adults: Take 15 mg once a day.

Short-Term Treatment of Duodenal Ulcer

Adults: The usual dose is 15 milligrams (mg) once daily, before eating, for 4 weeks.

Short-Term Treatment of Erosive Esophagitis

Adults: The usual dose is 30 mg daily, before eating, for up to 8 weeks. Depending on your response to the medication your doctor may suggest another 8-week treatment regimen.

Children 12 to 17 years: The usual dose is 30 mg once a day for up to 8 weeks.

Children 1 to 11 years: Dosage is based on the child's weight. For children weighing <66 pounds, the usual dose is 15 mg once a day for up to 12 weeks. For children weighing >66 pounds, the usual dose is 30 mg once a day for up to 12 weeks. If the child's symptoms don't improve after 2 or more weeks, the doctor may increase the dose up to a maximum of 30 mg twice a day. Children with severe liver problems will need their dosage adjusted.

Short-Term Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Adults: Take 15 mg once a day for up to 8 weeks.

Children 12 to 17 years: The usual dose is 15 mg once a day for up to 8 weeks.

Children 1 to 11 years: Dosage is based on the child's weight. For children weighing <66 pounds, the usual dose is 15 mg once a day for up to 12 weeks. For children weighing >66 pounds, the usual dose is 30 mg once a day for up to 12 weeks. If the child's symptoms don't improve after 2 or more weeks, the doctor may increase the dose up to a maximum of 30 mg twice a day. Children with severe liver problems will need their dosage adjusted.

Short-Term Treatment of Stomach Ulcer

Adults: The usual dose is 30 mg once a day for up to 8 weeks.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (and Other Excess Acid Conditions)

Adults: The usual starting dose is 60 mg once daily. This dose can be adjusted upward by your doctor, depending on your response. Dosages totaling more than 120 mg a day should be divided into smaller doses.

Safety and effectiveness have not been studied in children <1 year old.

How should I take Prevacid?

Prevacid should be taken before meals. If you're having trouble swallowing the regular delayed-release capsules, you may sprinkle the contents onto a tablespoon of applesauce; swallow immediately without chewing or crushing the granules. You may also mix the granules with 2 ounces of orange juice or tomato juice. (Rinse the glass with an additional 4 ounces of juice to make sure you get the entire dose.)

For the delayed-release Prevacid SoluTabs, place each tablet on the tongue. The dissolved particles may be swallowed with or without water. The SoluTabs should not be chewed or swallowed whole. If you or your child has trouble swallowing the SoluTabs, you may dissolve the tablet in water and administer the solution with an oral syringe or through a nasogastric tube.

For specific instructions, talk to your doctor. The general steps are as follows: Place the tablet in an oral syringe. Follow your doctor's directions on the amount of water you need to draw up into the syringe. Gently shake the syringe to dissolve the tablet. Administer the solution within 15 minutes. This can be done directly, with the oral syringe, or by injecting the syringe into a nasogastric tube. To be sure you have taken all of the drug, rinse out any remaining residue by refilling the syringe with water and shaking gently; then administer the remaining contents.

Alternatively, you may use Prevacid for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension. Empty the packet into 2 tablespoonfuls of water, stir well, and swallow immediately. Do not use any other liquid, and avoid chewing or crushing the granules. If any material remains in the glass, add more water, stir, and drink immediately.

What should I avoid while taking Prevacid?

If you also take sucralfate, avoid taking it at the same time you take Prevacid. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Prevacid before you take sucralfate.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Prevacid?

If Prevacid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prevacid with the following: ampicillin, digoxin, iron salts, ketoconazole, sucralfate, theophylline, warfarin

What are the possible side effects of Prevacid?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness or headache (more common in children), nausea

Can I receive Prevacid if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Prevacid during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Prevacid?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Prevacid?

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep away from moisture.