Prevacid (generic name: lansoprazole; brand names include: Fenzer, Lan, Lanzol, Helicid, Zoton, Inhibitol, Takepron) is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat certain conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach.

It is used 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). Most erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks.

Prevacid can:

Help prevent the acid that causes heartburn pain
Provide heartburn relief for up to 24 hours
Heal damage to your esophagus
Stop the damage from coming back if maintenance therapy is prescribed

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.

Prevacid is also used for long-term treatment of certain diseases marked by excessive acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Prevacid exactly as directed.

Prevacid is usually taken once a day, before eating. When taken in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, Prevacid is taken twice a day (every 12 hours) or three times a day (every 8 hours) for 10 to 14 days. To help you remember to take Prevacid, take it around the same time every day.

The capsules should be swallowed whole. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, they can be opened and sprinkled into 1/4 cup of apple, tomato or orange juice, or onto a tablespoon of applesauce, pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, or strained pears. Make sure to drink and eat food sprinkled with Prevacid right away and be careful not to crush or chew the capsules or the granules.

Continue to take Prevacid even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Prevacid without talking to your doctor.

If you forget a dose of Prevacid, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store this medicine at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.

Precautions

Before taking Prevacid, tell your doctor if:

you have an allergy to Prevacid or other medicines;
you have or have ever had liver disease;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: lansoprazole.