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Prevacid
Pronounced: PREH-va-sid
Generic name: Lansoprazole
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.
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 totaling 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. |
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