Prevacid

Common Name: lansoprazole

How does Prevacid work?

Lansoprazole belongs to the family of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medications slow or prevent the production of acid within the stomach. Lansoprazole is used to treat stomach (duodenal or gastric) ulcers and gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD). Lansoprazole is also used in combination with antibiotics for the treatment and eradication of H. pylori bacteria (the cause of a majority of duodenal ulcers). Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Prevacid?

The recommended adult dose of lansoprazole for treatment of duodenal ulcers is 15 mg daily before breakfast for 2 to 4 weeks. For recurrent duodenal ulcers, lansoprazole may be used for up to 1 year. For treatment of gastric ulcers, the recommended adult dose of lansoprazole is 15 mg daily before breakfast for 4 to 8 weeks. For treatment of duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria (as confirmed by a test), the recommended dose is lansoprazole 30 mg along with clarithromycin 500 mg and amoxicillin 1,000 mg, all taken twice daily for 7, 10, or 14 days. All of these medications should be taken before meals. This combination of medications helps to kill the bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers. For treatment of GERD and associated heartburn symptoms, the recommended dose of lansoprazole is 15 mg daily before breakfast for up to 8 weeks. Doses up to 30 mg daily are sometimes prescribed for reflux esophagitis or other conditions associated with increased secretion of acid by the stomach. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken regularly and exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without first talking with your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is within eight hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does Prevacid come in?

Prevacid® is available in strengths of 15 mg and 30 mg. 15 mg: Each pink-and-green, opaque, hard gelatin, delayed-release capsule of enteric-coated granules contains lansoprazole 15 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulosic polymers, colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Red No. 28, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, magnesium carbonate, methacrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, starch, sucrose, sugar spheres, talc, and titanium dioxide. 30 mg: Each pink-and-black, opaque, hard gelatin, delayed-release capsule of enteric-coated granules contains lansoprazole 30 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulosic polymers, colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Red No. 28, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, magnesium carbonate, methacrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, starch, sucrose, sugar spheres, talc, and titanium dioxide.

What should I NOT take with Prevacid?

Lansoprazole should not be taken by people who are allergic to lansoprazole or any ingredients of the medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Prevacid?

Other medications: Lansoprazole may be taken at the same time as antacids but should be taken at least 30 minutes before sucralfate, as this medication can reduce the effectiveness of lansoprazole. Pregnancy: There are no adequate or well-controlled studies on the use of this medication by pregnant women. Therefore, lansoprazole should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether lansoprazole passes into breast milk. Because many medications do pass into breast milk, lansoprazole should not be taken by nursing mothers unless its use is considered essential. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for use by children.