Generic Prevacid

Indications for Generic Prevacid

Prevacid or lansoprazole belongs to the group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It works by blocking the production of acid in the stomach.

Prevacid is generally used for the short-term treatment and the prevention of stomach ulcer, erosive esophagitis or the inflammation of the esophagus, duodenal ulcer, heartburn and GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Prevacid can also be used to lower the risk of stomach ulcers in patients who develop any of the conditions specified while taking NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil, Naprosyn and Motrin.

Prevacid is also prescribed for the treatment of conditions which are marked by the excessive production of acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It can also be prescribed as a part of the treatment program to remove an H. pylori infection which usually causes duodenal ulcer.

Prevacid or lansoprazole can also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Important Information about Generic Prevacid

You should not use Prevacid if you have ever had an allergic reaction to lansoprazole or penicillin or macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin or clarithromycin.

Make sure to inform to tell your doctor about any other medications or drugs you are taking to make sure that none of them would be interacting with Prevacid. Some of the drugs which could possibly interact with Prevacid or lansoprazole would include ampicillin, ketoconazole, digoxin, iron salts, warfarin, sucralfate and theophylline. If you are taking any of these, your dose might have to be adjusted.

Avoid taking Prevacid if you are also taking pimozide, cisapride, terfenadine or astemizole as the combination of these drugs with Prevacid could be fatal.

It is important to take Prevacid for the entire time that your doctor has prescribed to make sure that your condition would be completely treated. Continue taking Prevacid even when you are already feeling better.

You may be required by your doctor to come in for regular checkups while you are taking Prevacid. Never miss any of these appointments.

Never take Prevacid for a longer time than what has been prescribed for you. This medication is not intended for the long-term treatment of erosive esopagiis or duodenal ulcer.

Inform your doctor about any medical conditions that you have such as liver disease, heart disease and diabetes. If you have these or any other medical condition, your dose might be have to be decrease or altered.

Prevacid belongs to the FDA pregnancy category B, meaning it is not expected to harm an unborn child. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant or are nursing.

Dosage and Administration of Generic Prevacid

Prevacid or lansoprazole should only be used as your doctor has prescribed it for you.

Make sure to take Prevacid before meals. Swallow the delayed-release capsules whole. Do not crush or break or chew them as too much medication could be absorbed by your body at once. If you are having some difficulty swallowing them, you could try opening the capsule and sprinkling the contents on to a tablespoon of applesauce. Make sure to swallow the mixture immediately without crushing or chewing the granules. You can also try mixing the granules with two ounces of tomato juice or orange juice. After swallowing the juice with the medication, make sure to rinse the glass with about four more ounces of juice so you can be sure that you were able to take the entire dose.

You can take Prevacid with antacids; however, inform your doctor first if you want to take the two medications together just to be sure that there would be no harmful effects.

If you miss a dose of Prevacid, make sure that you would be taking it as soon as you can. If the next dose is almost up, you could just skip the dose that you missed altogether and take the next regularly scheduled one. Do not combine doses.

If you are taking sucralfate, you can continue to do so but be sure to take Prevacid about 30 minutes before you take sucralfate.

If you suspect an overdose, make sure to seek emergency medical help immediately.

Possible Side Effects of Generic Prevacid

Prevacid or lansoprazole can cause several side effects including abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness and nausea.