Drug Name: Prevacid

What is PREVACID?
Prevacid medicine belongs to the group of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They are responsible for slowing or preventing the production of acid within the stomach. Lansoprazole is also used to treat gastric (stomach) ulcers, duodenal (intestinal) ulcers, reflux esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Prevacid is used in combination with antibiotics like amoxicillin, clarithromycin to eradicate H. pylori bacteria (a major cause of duodenal ulcers). It also cures gastric ulcers caused by a family of pain relievers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and to reduce the risk of gastric ulcers for people who are taking NSAIDs.

How to take PREVACID doses?

• Dose of Prevacid should be taken with a full glass of water.
• Lansoprazole should be taken just before food.
• Do not chew or crush Prevacid tablet, swallow it fully. Prevacid tablet is specially made to release the medication slowly into your body.
• Regularly fix appointments with your doctor regarding the treatment of Prevacid.
• For patients who have a nasogastric tube in place, the Prevacid capsules can be opened and the intact granules mixed in 40 ml of apple juice and injected through the nasogastric tube into the stomach. After administering the granules, the nasogastric tube should be flushed with additional apple juice to clear the tube.
• Each packet of Prevacid for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension should be emptied into a container containing 2 tablespoons of water. Stir well and drink the mixture immediately. Do not crush or chew the granules.
• The Prevacid tablet should be placed on the tongue and allowed to disintegrate with or without water until the particles can be swallowed. The tablet typically disintegrates in less than one minute.
• Do not stop taking Prevacid in between even if you start feeling better.
• Prevacid is available in capsule, orally disintegrating tablet and oral suspension form. It is available in 15 mg and 30 mg strengths. Usually it is recommended for four weeks.

How PREVACID is beneficial?
Prevacid is very beneficial as its one dose once in a day prevents the production of acid, stops the heartpain and heals your body. Prevacid also heals the damage to esophagus caused by acid reflux disease forever. Even Prevacid has healed those damages where other acid reducing drugs have failed. This class of drug is much approved for acid related conditions. It also provides relief from heartburn associated with acid reflux disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the healing of erosive esophagitis and the treatment of certain types of ulcers like duodenal ulcers. It’s very safe to use Prevacid.

If I overdose PREVACID?
Side effects of overdose of Prevacid are not known. But any medicine taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you think you have taken Prevacid in excess seek medical attention quickly.

If I miss a dose of PREVACID?
If missed the dose of Prevacid take it as soon as you remember it. By the time if it is almost time for the next dose of Prevacid, skip the previous one and apply the next regularly scheduled dose of Prevacid. Do not use a double dose of Prevacid unless prescribed by your doctor.

Do I Need to Avoid Anything while Consuming PREVACID?

• Do not take Sucralfate (Carafate) with Prevacid. Sucralfate makes your body harder to absorb Prevacid. After taking Prevacid wait for 30 minutes to take Sucralfate.
• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking Prevacid, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.