Prevacid

The generic name for Prevacid is lansoprazole. When there is too much acid production in the stomach, doctors often recommend this drug. This is a medical treatment for patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. GERD is a medical condition that is characterized by the washing up of stomach acid in to the esophagus. Prevacid is used along with a supporting drug such as antibiotic to fully take effect especially in ulcer cases where infection is caused by a germ called H. pylori bacteria.

Another treating application of Prevacid is Zollinger-Ellison disease treating. It is a medical condition characterized by the excessive output of acid in the stomach. This medicine works by reducing the levels of acid in the stomach of the patient.

Before taking this drug, the doctor must first check on the medical condition of the patient. Inform your doctor if you have any delicate reactions to food, preservatives, dyes, drugs, or even Prevacid ingredients. If you have allergies on those substances it might affect your Prevacid medication.

Also inform your doctor if you are presently pregnant or breast feeding your baby. Although studies that have been conducted about the harmful effects of Prevacid to the mother and the child resulted to negative, it is still best to discuss this issue with your doctor.

Other conditions that need to be checked by your doctor are liver disease and other allergies. Some drugs can also interact with Prevacid and this may result to an affected performance of Prevacid in your body. If Prevacid is taken along side other interacting drugs, this may result also to worsened side effects or allergies. If you are currently taking sucralfate, Prevacid should be taken half an hour before you take oral sucralfate. This is to facilitate the absorption of the treating components of Prevacid.

If you are also taking warfarin, make sure you tell your doctor about this. Parallel medication of warfarin and Prevacid may result to an aggravated bleeding side effect. Your doctor needs to examine your blood first if you are taking warfarin or other similar products.

Other possible drugs that may interact with Prevacide include voriconazole, thephylline, ketoconazole, itraconazole, iron salts, itraconazole, fluvoxamine, digoxin, delavirdine, bisacodyl, delavardine and ampicillin. Inform you doctor more about your medication including over the counter medicines, herbal drugs, nutritional supplements and other similar medicines. Your doctor should also know about your alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, use of caffeinated beverages and use of illegal drugs.

Once you are given the Prevacid prescription make sure you know all the necessary instructions in administering the drug. You can review the directions stated on the Prevacid label. Take your Prevacid capsule whole. Do not cut, chew or cut the tablet. The doctor will usually recommend taking Prevacid before your regular meal, at least thirty to sixty minutes. Ask your doctor about the best time to take this medicine. Be prompt and consistent in your dosing. Do not adjust or change your dosage without the consent of your doctor.

To further facilitate your intake of Prevacid capsule, sit up straight and follow up with a full glass of water. You can take first a small sip of water before you swallow the capsule. If you find it hard to swallow the Prevacid capsule, you can open the capsule and spread the contents all over your food. It is best to sprinkle Prevacid capsule contents on foods like yogurt, cheese, pudding and applesauce.

The side effects of Prevacid are stomach pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, dark colored urine, fever and skin rashes. If you feel bothered with some of the Prevacid side effects, notify your doctor right away. Your body might be developing an unusual allergic reaction to Prevacid.