Prevacid

Prevacid Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Prevacid is a brand name. Its generic name is Lansoprazole.

Introduction

Prevacid is an oral prescription drug which belongs to a family of medications called proton-pump inhibitors or PPIs. It is mainly used for treating acid related conditions such as heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach and duodenal ulcers. It helps to reduce the acid build-up in the stomach by blocking the activity of some enzymes which produce acid.

Uses For

Prevacid is used to treat a variety of conditions related to acid in the stomach, including heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenal ulcer, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It can also be used to prevent ulcers associated with long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Mechanism of Action

Prevacid works by inhibiting the pumps in the wall of the stomach which are responsible for producing acid to digest food. By blocking these pumps, it reduces the amount of acid in the stomach and helps to prevent acid reflux and other digestive complaints.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Prevacid is usually effective within 24 hours and its full effect is seen usually within 7-14 days. It may take up to 3 weeks for the effects to be completely seen.

Absorption

Prevacid is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It has an absolute bioavailability of approximately 93%.

Route of Elimination

Prevacid is eliminated primarily in the urine. The elimination half-life is about 1 hour and the clearance is approximately 0.2 L/h.

Dosage

The usual adult dose for treating heartburn, duodenal ulcers, GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is 15-30 mg once a day. For the treatment and prevention of stomach or duodenal ulcers associated with long-term NSAID use, the usual adult dose is 30 mg once daily.

Administration

Prevacid is available in capsule, tablet, and suspension form. It should be taken on an empty stomach, usually once a day. It should be taken before a meal, preferably in the morning.

Side Effects

Common side effects of lansoprazole may include headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and rash. These effects usually improve after a few days, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist. Severe side effects such as fast or irregular heartbeat, intense abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing should be reported immediately to a doctor.

Toxicity

Prevacid is generally safe, but overdose can lead to serious adverse effects such as severe breathing problems, convulsions, and coma. It is important to take lansoprazole only at the prescribed dose and not exceed it.

Precaution

Prevacid should be taken with caution in people with kidney or liver disease, history of heart attack or stroke, or any other medical condition. It should also be used with caution in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women. People taking lansoprazole should not drink alcohol or take other medications without consulting a doctor.

Interaction

Prevacid may interact with other medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, or dietary supplements. It is important to tell the doctor about all the medications one is taking, including over-the-counter drugs, to avoid potential drug interactions.

Disease Interaction

Prevacid may interact with certain existing medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease, heart disease, or any other genetic or metabolic disorder. People with such conditions should consult with a doctor before taking lansoprazole.

Drug Interaction

There are several drugs which may interact with lansoprazole such as antifungal drugs, cancer drugs, anti-seizure drugs, blood thinners, and iron supplements. People should inform their doctor about all the drugs they are taking before taking lansoprazole.

Food Interactions

Certain food items such as dairy products, antacids, or calcium supplements can interfere with the absorption of lansoprazole and hence should be avoided. People should inform their doctor about any such interactions before taking lansoprazole.

Pregnancy Use

Prevacid should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and after consulting with a doctor. Its safety during pregnancy has not been established and hence should be used with caution. It should not be used in the first trimester unless clearly needed.

Lactation Use

Prevacid should be used during lactation only if clearly needed and after consulting with a doctor. It should not be used in combination with any other medication during lactation as it could increase the risk of adverse effects in the infant.

Acute Overdose

An acute overdose of lansoprazole may lead to symptoms such as convulsions, coma, extreme drowsiness, difficulty in breathing, and abdominal pain. Immediate medical attention is required in such cases.

Contraindication

Prevacid should not be used in people who are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. It should also not be used with certain drugs such as atazanavir and nelfinavir. People should inform their doctor if they are taking any other medication before taking lansoprazole.

Use Direction

Prevacid should be taken with water and on an empty stomach, usually once a day. It should be taken before a meal, preferably in the morning. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for a longer period than recommended.

Storage Condition

Prevacid should be stored in a cool dry place, away from heat and direct light. It should be kept out of sight and reach of children.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of lansoprazole is 0.2 L/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of lansoprazole is approximately 1 hour.

Clearance

The clearance of lansoprazole is approximately 0.2 L/h.

Here you find in details version of Prevacid

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Prevacid

What is Prevacid?

Prevacid is a prescription medication used to treat acid reflux, heartburn, and erosive esophagitis in adults.

How does Prevacid work?

Prevacid and other similar medications are proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Unlike antacids, PPIs stop the production of acid in the stomach and can be taken for longer periods of time to control symptoms.

What are the uses of Prevacid?

Prevacid is used to treat acid reflux, heartburn, and erosive esophagitis in adults. It may also be used in combination with antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers.

How long does it take for Prevacid to work?

Prevacid usually takes about 1-4 days to start working and it can take several weeks for the full effect to be seen.

What are the side effects of taking Prevacid?

Common side effects of lansoprazole include headache, nausea, vomiting, gas, and constipation. More serious side effects include severe allergic reaction, joint pain, and bone fractures.

Is Prevacid available over-the-counter?

No, lansoprazole is a prescription medication and is not available over-the-counter.

What precautions should be taken when taking Prevacid?

Patients should speak with their doctor about any medical conditions or allergies they might have before taking lansoprazole. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before taking this medication.

Can Prevacid be used in children?

Yes, lansoprazole can be used in children over 12 years old for the treatment of acid reflux and erosive esophagitis. It should not be used in children under 12 years old.

What is the recommended dosage of Prevacid?

The recommended dosage of lansoprazole for the treatment of acid reflux and erosive esophagitis in adults is 15-30 mg per day divided into two doses and taken before meals. The specific dosage depends on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.

Can Prevacid interact with other medications?

Yes, lansoprazole may interact with other medications such as methotrexate, iron supplements, and digoxin. Patients should speak with their doctor about all medications they are taking before starting lansoprazole.

Can Prevacid be taken with food?

Yes, lansoprazole can be taken with food. It is recommended to take it before meals, but if it is too hard to take it at that time, it can be taken with meals.

Can I take Prevacid if I have liver disease?

Patients with liver disease should speak to their doctor before taking lansoprazole. The dosage may need to be adjusted or an alternative medication may be needed.

Can Prevacid be taken with antacids?

No, lansoprazole and other proton-pump inhibitors should not be taken with antacids. Antacids work to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, while PPIs stop the acid production.

What happens if I take too much Prevacid?

Taking too much lansoprazole can cause serious side effects and should be avoided. If too much is taken, seek medical help immediately.

What happens if I miss a dose of Prevacid?

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal dosing schedule.

Is it safe to take Prevacid for a long time?

Prevacid is generally considered to be safe for long-term use. However, it is important to speak to a doctor about any concerns or potential side effects.

Is there any drug that can interact with Prevacid?

Yes, some drugs can interact with lansoprazole. These drugs include methotrexate, iron supplements, digoxin, and certain antibiotics. Patients should speak with their doctor or pharmacist about all medications they are taking before taking lansoprazole.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Prevacid?

Patients should not drink alcohol while taking lansoprazole as it can increase the risk of side effects. Consult a doctor before drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

What are the most common side effects of taking Prevacid?

The most common side effects of taking lansoprazole are headaches, nausea, vomiting, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and dizziness. More serious side effects include joint pain, bone fractures, and severe allergic reaction.

Can Prevacid cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a common side effect of taking lansoprazole. If weight gain does occur, patients should speak to their doctor as this can be a sign of an underlying condition.

Can I take Prevacid if I am pregnant?

It is not recommended for pregnant women to take lansoprazole, unless it is necessary and prescribed by a doctor. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before taking this medication.

Can Prevacid cause headaches?

Yes, headaches are a common side effect of taking lansoprazole. If headaches persist, it is important to speak to a doctor as it can be a sign of an underlying condition.

Does Prevacid cause drowsiness?

Drowsiness is not a common side effect of taking lansoprazole. However, if drowsiness does occur, patients should speak to their doctor as it can be a sign of an underlying condition.

Can I take Prevacid with vitamins?

Yes, lansoprazole can be taken with vitamins. However, it is important to speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements while taking this medication.

Can Prevacid help with GERD?

Yes, lansoprazole can help treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Talk to a doctor about the best treatment option for your individual needs.

What animals do not take Prevacid?

Prevacid is not meant to be taken by animals. If an animal has consumed lansoprazole, seek medical help immediately.

Can Prevacid be crushed?

Prevacid should not be crushed. It should be taken as prescribed or as directed by a doctor.

Is there a generic version of Prevacid?

Yes, there is a generic version of lansoprazole available. It is important to speak to a doctor about the most affordable option for the individual.

Can Prevacid cause constipation?

Yes, constipation is a common side effect of taking lansoprazole. Patients should speak to their doctor about treating constipation.

Is there an alternative to Prevacid?

Yes, there are alternative medications to lansoprazole available. Speak to a doctor about the best treatment option for the individual.

Can I take ibuprofen while taking Prevacid?

Yes, ibuprofen can be taken while taking lansoprazole. However, it is important to speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications while taking lansoprazole.

Do I need a prescription to get Prevacid?

Yes, lansoprazole is a prescription medication and requires a prescription from a doctor in order to be obtained.

Can Prevacid cause stomach upset?

Yes, stomach upset is a common side effect of taking lansoprazole. If the stomach upset persists or causes discomfort, speak to a doctor.

Can Prevacid cause stomach pain?

Yes, stomach pain is a common side effect of taking lansoprazole. If the stomach pain persists or causes discomfort, speak to a doctor.

Can I take Prevacid if I have kidney disease?

Patients with kidney disease should speak to their doctor before taking lansoprazole. The dosage may need to be adjusted or an alternative medication may be needed.

Can I take Prevacid if I have diabetes?

Yes, lansoprazole can be taken by those with diabetes. However, patients should speak to their doctor before taking any medications.

Can Prevacid cause dehydration?

Dehydration is not a common side effect of taking lansoprazole. If dehydration does occur, patients should speak to their doctor as this can be a sign of an underlying condition.

Does Prevacid cause memory loss?

Memory loss is not a common side effect of taking Prevacid. If memory loss does occur, patients should speak to their doctor as this can be a sign of an underlying condition.

Can Prevacid cause dry mouth?

Dry mouth is not a common side effect of taking lansoprazole. If dry mouth does occur, patients should speak to their doctor as this can be a sign of an underlying condition.

What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to Prevacid?

If a patient experiences an allergic reaction, they should stop taking the medication and seek medical help immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, rash, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Can Prevacid cause anxiety?

Anxiety is not a common side effect of taking lansoprazole. If anxiety does occur, patients should speak to their doctor as this can be a sign of an underlying condition.

Can I take Prevacid if I am breastfeeding?

It is not recommended for breastfeeding women to take lansoprazole, unless it is necessary and prescribed by a doctor. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before taking this medication.