Prevacid

Description

This is a medication that is used to treat esophagus and stomach issues. This medication is also commonly referred to as Lansoprazole.

How it works

This drug belongs to a class of medications known as Proton Pump Inhibitors. These PPIs generally work by reducing the level of acid in the stomach.

Uses

Apart from treating acid reflux and ulcers, this medication is also capable of relieving symptoms such as heartburn and persistent cough.

Dosage

Prevacid must only be taken once a day, by mouth. It is important to consume this drug before you take your meal. The dosage and the length of the treatment must be determined by a physician.

When consuming this medication, make sure not to chew or bite it. This can release Prevacid in your mouth, which in turn will make you more susceptible towards the side effects. When taking the medication in capsule form, you need to break the capsule and sprinkle the contents in a tablespoon. When creating the mixture, use soft foods or liquids such as applesauce. Once the mixture is ready, consume it immediately. Do not store it for later usage.

It can take up to two weeks for this medication to work. During this period, inform your physician if your condition worsens.

In order to benefit from this medication, you need to take it as regularly as possible. This means that you cannot afford to accidently skip or miss your doses. Taking the medication at the same time every day will help you remember.

Increasing the dosage will not enhance the effectiveness of the medication. It will not heal your condition faster. This can only make your condition worse and make you more susceptible towards side effects. Therefore, follow the information on the prescription very closely.

Side effects

Make sure to keep an eye out for the following side effects, which may or may not occur during the treatment period.

Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Headaches

Consuming this medication can also result in low magnesium blood levels. Symptoms of this condition are:

Irregular heartbeat
Seizures
Muscle spasms

You might also experience a rare, but serious, intestinal condition. If you experience symptoms such as fever, stomach pain and persistent diarrhea, visit your physician immediately.

Precautions

You need to follow the precautions listed below to ensure your personal health during the treatment period.

Before consuming this medication, make sure that you are not allergic to it.
Inform your physician if you have any other allergies.
Brief your physician about your medical history, especially if you suffered from a liver disease.
If you are having surgery, inform your surgeon that you are taking Prevacid.
Be mindful when giving this medication to older adults since they are susceptible to certain side effects.

Self-care

If you are planning to become pregnant, make sure to take Prevacid only when it is absolutely necessary. Do not take this medication more than recommended during the period of pregnancy.

It is not 100% sure that Prevacid can be passed on to infants via breast milk. However, since similar drugs can be passed on to infants through breastfeeding, it is best to avoid this medication when nursing your baby.