Typical Brand Name(s): Prevacid
What Is It Used For?
This medication blocks acid in the stomach. It is used to treat
ulcers, esophagitis and conditions due to high acid secretion.
How Is It Used?
This medication is taken by mouth usually once a day one hour
before a meal as directed. In certain conditions the medication
may be prescribed twice a day. Swallow the capsules whole. Do
not open, crush or chew them unless you have esophageal (throat)
Problems or have difficulty swallowing in which case you may take
the drug after opening the capsules and sprinkling over soft,
easy-to-swallow foods like applesauce and swallowing small amounts
without chewing. Take this as prescribed. Do not increase your
dose, take this more often than directed or stop taking this without
first consulting your doctor. Significantly less drug will be
absorbed if taken after a meal rather than before eating.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Nausea or stomach pain may occur. If these effects continue or
become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor of you
develop diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, muscle pain, chest pain, changes
in stool color, stomach pain, breathing trouble mood changes or
vision changes. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely,
but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of
an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness
or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Is It Safe?
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication
you may take including sucralfate, iron, theophylline, ampicillin,
digoxin, or ketoconazole. Do not start or stop any medication
without doctor or pharmacist approval. This drug may cause an
allergic reaction in patients with a history of sensitivity to
the following: Omeprazole/Lansoprazole.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Sucralfate (Carafate), which is also used to treat stomach conditions,
will decrease the amount of Prevacid that is absorbed through
the stomach. Prevacid should be taken at least 30 minutes before
sucralfate to prevent an interaction. Some other medications such
as ketoconazole (Nizoral), ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen), digoxin
(Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), and iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron)
may have decreased effects because Prevacid hinders their absorption
from the stomach. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these
medications.
What If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the
next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this
medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.
How Should It Be Stored?
Store it at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Prevacid decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Prevacid is used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers,
erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid),
and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
