Prevacid

Prevacid (lansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribed for the management and treatment of conditions caused by excess stomach acid. It works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, providing long-lasting relief and promoting healing of damaged esophageal and stomach tissues. This medication is commonly used for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and may be combined with antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori infections. Available in delayed-release capsules and orally disintegrating tablets, Prevacid offers a targeted approach to acid suppression under medical supervision.

Features

• Active ingredient: Lansoprazole 15 mg or 30 mg
• Formulation: Delayed-release capsules and orally disintegrating tablets
• Mechanism: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
• Onset of action: Within 1–3 hours; full effect may take 1–4 days
• Duration: Acid suppression lasts up to 24 hours or longer
• Administration: Oral, once daily (typically before a meal)
• Available by prescription only

Benefits

• Provides sustained reduction of gastric acid production, facilitating healing of erosive esophagitis
• Effectively relieves heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD
• Helps prevent relapse of erosive esophagitis and duodenal ulcers
• May be used as part of combination therapy to eradicate H. pylori infection
• Available in formulations suitable for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills
• Supports improved quality of life by reducing chronic acid-related discomfort

Common use

Prevacid is commonly prescribed for the short-term treatment (4–8 weeks) of active duodenal ulcers, active benign gastric ulcers, and erosive esophagitis. It is also indicated for maintaining healing of erosive esophagitis and for the long-term treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Additionally, it is used in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin for H. pylori eradication to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence. Many patients use Prevacid for symptomatic relief of frequent heartburn and GERD.

Dosage and direction

The typical adult dosage for healing erosive esophagitis is 30 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks. For maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis, the dose is 15 mg once daily. For active duodenal ulcer, the recommended dose is 15 mg once daily for 4 weeks. For H. pylori eradication, Prevacid 30 mg is taken twice daily for 10 or 14 days alongside antibiotics. Prevacid should be taken before a meal, preferably in the morning. Capsules must be swallowed whole; do not crush or chew. Orally disintegrating tablets should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve.

Precautions

Before taking Prevacid, inform your healthcare provider if you have liver disease, low magnesium levels, or osteoporosis. Long-term use (more than 3 years) may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency; monitor for symptoms such as weakness, sore tongue, or neurological changes. There is a potential risk of bone fractures with prolonged, high-dose PPI therapy. Avoid use if you are allergic to lansoprazole or other PPIs. Prevacid may mask symptoms of gastric cancer; appropriate diagnostic evaluation should be conducted if alarm symptoms (e.g., unintended weight loss, recurrent vomiting, dysphagia) occur.

Contraindications

Prevacid is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to lansoprazole or any component of the formulation. Concomitant use with rilpivirine-containing products is contraindicated due to the potential for decreased rilpivirine absorption and reduced antiviral efficacy. Use with caution in patients taking drugs that are dependent on gastric pH for absorption (e.g., ketoconazole, iron salts, digoxin). Not recommended in individuals with hereditary problems of fructose intolerance (for orally disintegrating tablet formulation, which contains aspartame).

Possible side effect

Common side effects may include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and constipation. Less frequently, dizziness, rash, and elevated liver enzymes may occur. Long-term use has been associated with hypomagnesemia, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, and acute interstitial nephritis. Vitamin B12 deficiency may develop with prolonged therapy. Rare but serious side effects include severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome), lupus erythematosus, and fundic gland polyps. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe side effects.

Drug interaction

Prevacid may interact with drugs whose absorption is pH-dependent, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, iron salts, and digoxin (reduced absorption). It may increase serum levels of methotrexate and tacrolimus. Concurrent use with warfarin may require increased monitoring of INR. Prevacid can alter the metabolism of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19, such as phenytoin, diazepam, and clopidogrel (may reduce antiplatelet effect). Avoid concomitant use with rilpivirine. Always inform your prescriber of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Prevacid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Consistency in dosing helps maintain acid suppression, but occasional missed doses are unlikely to significantly impact long-term efficacy.

Overdose

There is limited experience with Prevacid overdose. Reported manifestations are consistent with the known effects of lansoprazole: drowsiness, blurred vision, tachycardia, nausea, diazepam intoxication (due to inhibited metabolism), and sweating. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Hemodialysis is not effective for removal of lansoprazole due to high protein binding. In case of suspected overdose, contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store Prevacid at room temperature (20–25°C or 68–77°F), in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not store in the bathroom or near sinks. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. For the orally disintegrating tablets, keep the blister pack sealed until use.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Individual patient needs and responses to therapy may vary.

Reviews

Clinical studies and patient reports indicate that Prevacid is highly effective in managing acid-related disorders. In trials, 85–90% of patients with erosive esophagitis experienced healing within 8 weeks. Many users report significant improvement in heartburn symptoms and quality of life. Some note the convenience of the orally disintegrating formulation. Long-term users should remain under medical supervision to monitor for potential nutrient deficiencies or adverse effects. Adherence to prescribed dosing is crucial for optimal outcomes.