Prevacid is indicated to treat and prevent stomach and active duodenal ulcers in for short-term (for 4 weeks) treatment.

Common use

Prevacid is used to treat and prevent such stomach diseases as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or erosive esophagitis. It belongs to the class of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which application can include treatment of ulcers caused by long-term use of certain pain/anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The mechanism of its work consists in blocking of acid production in the stomach. Its combination with antibiotics can be used to treat certain types of ulcers. This medication can be used for treatment of other conditions.



Dosage and directions

In case you taking ampicillin, cilostazol, iron, digoxin, itraconazole, sucralfate, theophylline, ketoconazole, vitamins with iron, vorconizole, or warfarin an additional monitoring of your portion or condition may be needed. Strictly follow the recommendations for using this medication provided by your health care adviser. Take this medicine in the morning on an empty stomach unless your doctor directs otherwise. Swallow the whole tablet. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet before to swallow it. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may sprinkle its contents into soft food (e.g., applesauce, yogurt or cottage cheese), or put into a small amount (2 oz or 60 ml) of juice and taken as described. Make sure that that the entire portion is taken: rinse the container with juice and drink the contents. Do not chew the food/medication mixture or prepare a supply in advance as it may aggravate side effects. Due to the interaction between Prevacid and sucralfate, as well as with the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole your doctor or pharmacist should choose the proper timing of each dose if it is prescribed to take Prevacid together with them. For example, if you are instructed to take sucralfate in addition to Prevacid, it is the best to take the Prevacid dose at least 30 minutes before your sucralfate. For regularity take the drug at the same time each day in order to get the most benefit from it. Do not stop taking of this medicine even if you feel palliation.



Precautions

Consult your doctor for approval before to start any or stop any medicine intake. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including liver disease, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding which could complicate treatment. Follow all doctor's directions using this medicine. Before taking any new medicine consult your doctor or pharmacist. Women should discuss with their doctors the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. The medicine is unknown for its excretion with breast milk possible harm to an unborn baby. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Prevacid.



Contraindications

Prevacid is contraindicated in patients with known severe hypersensitivity to any component of the medication. It is also contraindicated in patients allergic to amoxicillin (or any penicillin), clarithromycin (or erythromycin), or any component of the formulation; concurrent use with pimozide or cisapride.



Possible side effect

Constipation or diarrhea may appear as side effects during intake of this medicine. If they persist or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Consult your doctor the soonest in case of stomach pain. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but in some cases rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing can occur. If you experience them seek immediate medical attention. If you notice the effects different from listed above inform your health care adviser or pharmacist.



Drug interaction

Some drugs may interact with this medicine resulting in undesired side effects or lost of drug efficiency as well as certain medical conditions may influence activity of Prevacid. Inform your health care adviser or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.



Missed dose

If you missed a dose take the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time of your next dose just skip its intake and return to your regular schedule.



Overdose

In case of overdose, contact your local poison control center or emergency room for help without delay.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 F (15-30 C). Do not store in the room with high humidity as a bathroom.





Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.