About Prevacid
This medication inhibits the production of stomach acid,
allowing for healing of acid reflux conditions and ulcers.
It's use in the morning intercepts the production of the enzymes
that stimulate stomach acid production at its peak. When patients
test positive for H. pylori infection, Prevacid should be
accompanied by an antibiotic to ensure complete treatment
of the cause of the problem.
Usually Treats: acid reflux, duodenal ulcer, dyspepsia, erosive
esophagitis, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, high stomach
acid, and stomach ulcer.
Prevacid Side Effects
Potential Side Effects: Increase in likelihood of
gastroenteritis. Speak to your doctor if you feel feverish,
have excess mucous production, or get recurring diarrhea.
Mild Side Effects: allergy (itching, rash), constipation,
diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, indigestion, muscle
pain, nausea or vomiting, ringing in ears.
Rare and Serious Side Effects: allergy (anaphylactic
shock, kidney damage), anemia, angina, bone marrow depression
(bleeding and bruising, fatigue, cold-like symptoms, unusual
infections), chest pain, facial pain, hypoglycemia, kidney
inflammation, liver damage and jaundice (yellowing of eyes
and skin), yeast infection. Seek immediate medical attention
if you suspect any of these symptoms, or if you feel unusually
unwell after starting this medication. Any severe reaction
should be brought to the attention of emergency medical personnel.
Cautions: This medication may not be suitable for
everyone, and some individuals may require special precautions
or dosage adjustments in order to make their treatment safe
and effective. Alert your doctor to any of the following conditions,
or any history of them.
- Allergy: If you have ever had an allergic reaction
to this medication, you should not take it. If you develop
one while using it, you will have to discontinue use immediately.
Also, inform your physician of any food or dye allergies.
- Liver Disease or Impairment: Speak to your doctor
about appropriate dosages, avoid alcohol. The medication
may build up in the body.
- Other Medication: If you take any anticoagulant,
such as Coumadin (warfarin),
Dilantin (phenytoin),
or Valium (diazepam),
speak to your doctor about dosage adjustments or scheduling.
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Not adequately
tested for safety. This medication is not recommended for
pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Prevacid Interactions
Prevacid should not be mixed with all prescription or over
the counter medications as there could be undesirable interactions.
However, with some drugs that interact with your treatment,
it will be enough to change the dosage of either Prevacid
or the other medication. Always check with both the prescribing
physician and pharmacist to verify that the medications you
use will not interact adversely.
- Alcohol stimulates stomach acid, and while it will not
interact with the medication directly, it may make it less
effective.
- Ampicillin - May be less effective when used with Prevacid.
- Antacids - These may be used to reduce pain, but speak
to your doctor about proper use and dosage. Some individuals
should not combine Prevacid with antacids.
- Anticoagulants like Coumadin
(warfarin) may build up in the body and cause increased
bleeding unless more frequent INR testing and careful dosage
adjustments are maintained.
- Azole antifungals - Drugs like Diflucan
(fluconazole), Nizoral
(ketoconazole), and Sporanox
(itraconazole), may be less effective when mixed with
Prevacid.
- Antabuse (disulfiram) - Effects may be increased.
- Benzodiazepines (a class of antidepressants, anti-panic
agents, sleep medications, and muscle relaxants) such as
Ativan (lorazepam),
Dalmane (flurazepam), Valium
(diazepam), Halcion
(triazolam), Librium
(chlordiazepoxide), Restoril
(temazepam), Xanax
(alprazolam), Tranxene-SD (clorazepate), Paxipam (halazepam),
ProSom (estazolam), Klonopin
(clonazepam), Versed (midazolam), and others, may have
their effects increased by combined treatment. Your doctor
may decrease your dose.
- Dilantin (phenytoin)
- Effects may be increased.
- Iron supplements - May be less effective.
- Lanoxin (digoxin) -
May build up to toxic levels.
- Lescol (fluvastatin) - May build up in the body.
- Pletal (cilostazol) - Lower doses are recommended if these
medications are to be used together.
- Rheumatrex (methotrexate) - Effects may be increased.
- Sandimmune (cyclosporine) - Sandimmune levels may fluctuate
unpredictably, most commonly increasing.
- Tegretol (carbamazepine)
- Effects may be increased.
- Zyprexa (olanzapine) - May be less effective.
Prevacid Dosages
The following dosage recommendations are guidelines only. If your doctor should prescribe a different amount, or if you should have different instructions on your prescription label, follow those instructions instead.
- Dyspepsia: 10 mg - 20mg once daily for four weeks.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux: 20 mg - 40 mg once daily for
four to eight weeks.
- High Stomach Acid: 60 mg once daily for as long as prescribed.
- Ulcers, Duodenal: 20 mg - 40 mg once daily for as long
as prescribed.
- Ulcers, Gastric: 40 mg once daily for four to eight weeks.
- Ulcers, Infection with H. pylori: 40 mg once daily for
two weeks, 20 mg once daily for two additional weeks. This
treatment will be in combination with clarithromycin, generally
in doses of 500 mg, three times daily for two weeks. Your
doctor will further advise you about other cautions to take
during combination therapy.
Prevacid Directions
Your medication should be taken directly before eating, with
the best time being 15-30 minutes before the first meal of
the day. Take the capsules whole, without opening or crushing
them.
Take Prevacid as soon as you remember if you should forget
a dose, but don't double doses. If it's almost time for your
next dose, skipped the missed amount. Speak to your doctor
if you find that you forget to take your medication frequently.
This medication may occasionally cause some confusion or dizziness, especially
if you are over 50. Do not engage in potentially hazardous
activities until you are familiar with your reaction to the
medication.
Store Prevacid away from direct light and heat. Store in a
dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks,
or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after
the expiration date.
Keep Prevacid away from children; both when storing it, and
when discarding any unused medication.
Prevacid and Pregnancy
This medication should be avoided during pregnancy, as adequate studies in humans are not available. Animal testing did not indicate birth defects, but there were cases of fetal toxicity in some trials.
Prevacid should not be used while breastfeeding.
Prevacid and Children
This medication has not been adequately tested in children. A doctor
must determine the dose for anyone under 18 on a case-by-case
basis.
Prevacid and Seniors
There is no specific recommendation for seniors taking this medication.
As always, watch for potential drug interactions, and be cautious
in case of decreased liver function.
Prevacid is a trademark of TAP
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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