Prevacid (Lansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), erosive esophagitis, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.Prevacid (Lansoprazole) may also be used to treat ulcers due to long-term use of certain pain/anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prevacid (Lansoprazole) works by blocking acid production in the stomach.Prevacid (Lansoprazole) may be used in combination with antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin) to treat certain types of ulcers. TAKE Prevacid (Lansoprazole) in the morning unless your doctor directs otherwise. TAKE Prevacid (Lansoprazole) before eating. SWALLOW Prevacid (Lansoprazole)WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew Prevacid (Lansoprazole) before swallowing. IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE SWALLOWING THE Prevacid (Lansoprazole) CAPSULE, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled into soft food (e.g., applesauce, cottage cheese, yogurt), or emptied into a small amount (2 oz or 60 ml) of juice and taken as directed. Rinse the container with an additional small amount of juice and drink the contents to make sure the entire dose of Prevacid (Lansoprazole) is taken. DO NOT CHEW the food/medication mixture or prepare a supply in advance. Doing so may destroy the drug and/or increase side effects.
Prevacid side effects that may go away during treatment include constipation or diarrhea. If Prevacid side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience Prevacid side effects like stomach pain. If you are taking this medicine for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your Prevacid side effects do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor.