Drug Uses

Prevacid is used for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of Stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, heartburn and other symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Usage

Prevacid comes in a regular delayed-release capsule form and if you are taking this, then ensure that you swallow it whole and do not crush or chew it. People who have trouble swallowing the capsule may break it open, sprinkle the contents on a table spoon and take it with applesauce. Once again, ensure that you do not chew the granules.

Missed Dose

You should try and take your doses on time taking care not to miss any. But if you do miss a dose, then take it as soon as you remember or skip it and continue with your regular dose. But do not take a double dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

Overdose

A Prevacid overdose is not known to cause any problems. But if you do suspect an overdose, then you may seek medical attention immediately.

More Information

The drug may cause light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness in some people. Do not consume alcohol along with the drug. Do not drive or handle heavy machinery until you know how to react to the drug.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Prevacid, tell your doctor if you ever have liver disease. You may not be able to take Prevacid, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. Prevacid is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Prevacid without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Prevacid passes into breast milk. Do not take Prevacid without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Before 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).

Possible Side Effects

Serious side effects from Prevacid are not common. 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.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
More Information

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