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Generic Prevacid Chemical Name: LANSOPRAZOLE

Common applications

Prevacid is a proton pump inhibitor, designed to treat ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux. The medicine acts by blocking the stomach's acid production, and together with some antibiotics, it has the power to treat most types of ulcers.

Precautions

You may need to take more caution with your dosage, and monitor it additionally, if you're taking any of these drugs: ampicillin, cilostazol, digoxin, iron, itraconazole, ketoconazole, sucralfate, theophylline, vitamins with iron, vorconizole, or warfarin.

The medicine should only be used by a doctor's prescription, and you should always finish your prescribed treatment completely. Your doctor must be aware of any medical conditions you have or have had - including any stomach, heart, liver and kidney problems, as well as if you're about to get pregnant or breastfeed.

The medicine should be taken in the morning before your breakfast. It should be taken whole, without breaking or chewing it. If you have trouble swallowing the entire capsule, you may open it and sprinkle its contents on a tablespoon of cold applesauce, which you then eat. Make sure the applesauce is not even warm, as this will start an unwanted chemical reaction with the medicine.

Using certain drugs, such as lansoprazole and some antifungals, can decrease the effectiveness of this medicine and make it harder for it to achieve its effects. If you're using lansoprazole, the best way to avoid problems is to split the consumption of the two medicines by half an hour. To get the most out of the medication, it should be taken regularly. To prevent missing a dose, set a specific time for every day.

Missed doses

It's highly inadvisable to miss any doses from this medication. If you do, take it as soon as you remember to - however, check to make sure it's not nearing time to take the next one. In that case, you can skip it. Never take two doses at once to make up for a lost one - this will not only not benefit you, but it can also harm you.

Warnings

Keep your doctor in touch about your usage of this medicine. Do not start using it on your own accord, always check wit your doctor for information beforehand. This is especially important for women in pregnancy, or those breastfeeding - the consequences of failing to inform a doctor of your medicine use could be dire!

Side effects

Some minor side effects may appear during the use of this drug, like diarrhea and constipation. They should normally vanish quickly, but if they remain for prolonged periods of time, consult a doctor immediately. People have rarely experienced allergic reactions from this medicine, but in case you do, a doctor should be able to help you.

The symptoms of such a reaction are rashes, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect an overdose, the best place to contact is an emergency ward.

Final notes

After about four to eight weeks, your symptoms should recede. If they do not, you may need to talk to your doctor to change your treatment plan. In some rare cases, symptoms can get worse - then, immediate treatment would be most appropriate.

Do not share the medicine with people without a prescription for it. Do not use it after the expiration date. The medicine may have negative interactions with some other drugs - consult your doctor to find out more.

Storage

Keep in a dry, cool place away from sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach for children and pets.