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Prevacid for Children
Prescription Prevacid® (lansoprazole) is approved to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis in children 1 to 17 years of age. Nonprescription Prevacid 24HR is approved only for use in adults.
GERD is a condition in which stomach acids and other contents of the stomach go back into the esophagus. This can result in GERD symptoms, including the most common symptom of GERD -- heartburn. One of the complications of GERD is erosive esophagitis, which occurs when the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged by stomach acid.
Prevacid is used for treatment of GERD symptoms, including heartburn. It has also been licensed to treat erosive esophagitis. Once the esophagus has healed, Prevacid may also be used to prevent the return of erosive esophagitis.
When using Prevacid for children, it is important to first talk to your child's healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using this medication.
(Click What Is Prevacid Used For? for a more in-depth look at using Prevacid for children, including information on how this medication works for several conditions related to the stomach, intestines, and esophagus.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD