A healthcare provider may recommend Prevacid
® (
lansoprazole) to treat a number of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Prevacid is an oral medication (taken by mouth) that can help relieve the symptoms of a number of conditions, including:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Erosive esophagitis
- Duodenal ulcers
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
- Stomach ulcers
- Pathological hypersecretory conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
It is also licensed to treat GERD and erosive esophagitis in children 1 to 17 years of age.
The medication is typically taken before eating and comes in the form of tablets, a liquid, and capsules. Prevacid also comes in a number of strengths, which include:
Although most people tolerate Prevacid capsules, tablets, and liquid well, the medication is not suitable for everyone. Before starting treatment with Prevacid, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any other medical conditions you may have or any other medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal supplements). Some of the common side effects of this medication include nausea,
diarrhea, and
headaches.
(Click Prevacid for a more in-depth look at how Prevacid capsules, tablets, and liquid work, potential side effects, general dosing guidelines, and information on what to tell your healthcare provider before using this medication.)
