Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

Prevacid >> prescription drug information Generic Name: LANSOPRAZOLE

Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

What is Prevacid? PREVACID blocks the production of stomach acid. It is prescribed for the short-term treatment (up to 4 weeks) of duodenal ulcers, (ulcers near the exit from the stomach). It is also used for up to 8 weeks in the treatment of stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (backflow of acid into the canal to the stomach), and a condition called erosive esophagitis (severe inflammation of the canal). Once a duodenal ulcer or case of esophagitis has cleared up, the doctor may continue prescribing PREVACID to prevent a relapse. PREVACID is also prescribed to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in people who develop this problem while taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn. The drug is also used for long-term treatment of certain diseases marked by excessive acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. PREVACID is also prescribed as part of a combination treatment to eliminate the H. pylori infection that causes most cases of duodenal ulcer. most important fact about prevacid To relieve your symptoms and to heal your ulcer, you need to take PREVACID for the full time of treatment your doctor prescribes. Keep taking the drug even if you begin to feel better, and be sure to keep your appointments with your doctor. how to take Prevacid PREVACID should be taken before meals. If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, open them and sprinkle the granules on a tablespoon of applesauce; swallow immediately. Do not chew or crush the granules. If you are taking antacids for pain, you may continue to do so. You also may continue to take sucralfate (Carafate), but take your dose of PREVACID at least 30 minutes prior to the Carafate. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. RECOMMENDED DOSAGE ADULTS For treatment of duodenal ulcer The usual dose is 15 milligrams once daily, before eating, for 4 weeks. To prevent relapse of duodenal ulcer Take 15 milligrams once a day. To eradicate ulcer-causing bacteria To eliminate the H. pylori bacteria that cause most duodenal ulcers, PREVACID is taken with amoxicillin alone or amoxicillin and Biaxin. When combined with amoxicillin only, the usual dosage is 30 milligrams of PREVACID and 1 gram of amoxicillin 3 times daily for 14 days. If all three drugs are used, the usual dosage is 30 milligrams of PREVACID, 1 gram of amoxicillin, and 500 milligrams of Biaxin twice daily for 10 to 14 days. For treatment of stomach ulcer The usual dose is 30 milligrams once a day for up to 8 weeks. To prevent stomach ulcer due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs The usual dose is 15 milligrams once a day for up to 12 weeks. For treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease Take 15 milligrams once a day for up to 8 weeks. For treatment of erosive esophagitis The usual dose is 30 milligrams daily, before eating, for up to 8 weeks. Depending on your response to the medication your doctor may suggest another 8-week treatment regimen. Other excess acid conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) The usual starting dose is 60 milligrams once daily. This dose can be adjusted upward by your doctor, depending on your response. Dosages totalling more than 120 milligrams a day should be divided into smaller doses. If you have severe liver disease, your doctor will tailor your dosage to fit your needs. CHILDREN The safety and effectiveness of PREVACID have not been established in children. who should this drug not be prescribed? Avoid PREVACID if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it. SPECIAL WARNINGS Do not take PREVACID any longer than your doctor has prescribed; this medication should not be used for long-term therapy of duodenal ulcer or erosive esophagitis. If you have liver disease, be sure your doctor knows about it. PREVACID should be used cautiously. If you do not begin to feel better on PREVACID therapy, or if your symptoms become worse, be sure to call your doctor. PREVACID has no effect on stomach cancer. It could be present even if PREVACID relieves your symptoms. IF YOU ARE PREGNANT AND/OR BREASTFEEDING The effects of PREVACID in pregnant women have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor. It is not known whether PREVACID appears in human breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may have you stop breastfeeding your baby while you are taking it. POSSIBLE FOOD/DRUG INTERACTIONS If PREVACID is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining PREVACID with the following: 1.) Ampicillin 2.) Digoxin (Lanoxin) 3.) Iron salts (Ferro-Sequels, Ferro-Sulfate) 4.) Ketoconazole (Nizoral) 5.) Sucralfate (Carafate) 6.) Theophylline (Theo-Dur) SIDE EFFECTS Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking PREVACID. More common side effects may include: Diarrhea Less common side effects may include: Abdominal pain, nausea Rare side effects may include: Abnormal thinking, acne, aggravation of hostility, agitation, anemia, anxiety, apathy, arthritis, asthma, bad breath, belching, black or discolored stools, blood in the urine, breast development in males, breast enlargement, breast tenderness, bronchitis, chest pain (including severe pain), colitis, confusion, constipation, cough, coughing up blood, deafness, decreased sex drive, depression, diabetes, difficult or labored breathing, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, dry mouth, ear infection, eye pain, fainting, fever, fluid retention, "flu-like" symptoms, flushing, gallstones, gas, general feeling of illness, gout, hair loss, hallucinations, heart attack, hiccups, high blood pressure, high or low blood sugar, hives, impotence, increased appetite, increased salivation, indigestion, infection, inflammation of the esophagus or mouth, inflammation of the stomach lining, itching, kidney problems, kidney stones, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, memory loss, menstrual problems, muscle, bone, or joint pain, nervousness, nosebleeds, paralysis, pneumonia, prickling, tingling, or pins and needles, rash, rectal hemorrhage, rectal and bladder spasms, ringing in ears, shock, sore throat, stomach and intestinal hemorrhage, stroke, taste alteration, thirst, throbbing heartbeat, thyroid problems, visual disturbances, vomiting blood, weakness, weight gain or loss, wheezing, yeast infection OVERDOSE Overdoses of PREVACID are not known to cause any problems. Nevertheless, no medication should be taken in excess. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.