Prevacid Information

Prevacid has been classified under a group of drugs called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI). These are drugs that block the production of acids by the stomach. The acids cause ulcers, erosive esophagitis, gastrointestinal reflux syndrome and Zollinger Ellison Syndrome. The drug works by blocking an enzyme on the walls of the stomach, which is responsible for the acid production. This helps in healing the ulcers which have already formed. However, Prevacid is not given for immediate relief of symptoms of heartburn.

Prevacid Side Effects and Precautions

The side effects of Lansoprazole include pain or heaviness, pain radiating from arms to shoulders, nausea, generalized feeling of illness. If you have any liver diseases ask your doctor if it is safe to take this drug as a dose adjustment may be required. If you are on other antacids like sucralfate etc avoid taking Lansoprazole at the same time. Leave a gap of atleast 30 minutes before sucralfate. Take the drug as per the prescription. Do not stop taking the drug even after your symptoms are better before you finish the course. When taking Prevacid 24HR care should be taken to see that it is taken correctly once in 24 hours, for 2 weeks only and if course repetition is required not before 4 months.

If you have any other symptoms like heartburn with or without wheezing, swallowing difficulties, bloody stools or black stools, nausea, vomiting, bloody vomit, frequent chest pains, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss consult your doctor at the earliest. Long term intake of Prevacid like other PPIs makes a person prone to fractures of the wrist, hip or spine. Hence, patients aged 50 years and above and those who have osteoporosis or low bone mineral density would better avoid the drug. However, your doctor would know best whether you will benefit from the drug or not. Hence, consult and discuss with your doctor before you buy Prevacid. Do not take the medicine without informing your doctor about your pregnancy or lactation.

Dosage Information For Prevacid

Dosage of Prevacid taken is dependent on the condition of the patient. It is in capsule form. in duodenal ulcers 15 mg once/day is taken for 4 weeks. Maintenance dose is also same. It may be given with amoxicillin and clarithromycin as well. In case of gastric ulcer whether benign or NSAID associated, 30 mg once/day for 8 weeks and to avoid further risk of recurrence, 15 mg once daily up to 12 weeks.in case of GERD 15 mg/ once a day for 8 weeks is optimal. Erosive esophagitis is treated with 30 mg once a day for 8 weeks. It is not prescribed for children below 1 year old. The pediatric group the dosage depends on the weight and on the condition present. North Drug Mart sells discount Prevacid in strengths of 15 mg and 30 mg.