GERD
Medications
Related eMedTV
Health Channels

Prevacid Tablets

Prevacid® (
 lansoprazole) is licensed 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 capsules, a liquid, and tablets. Prevacid also comes in a number of strengths, which include:
 
Although most people tolerate Prevacid tablets, capsules, 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 tablets, capsules, and liquid work and detailed information on the effects, potential side effects, and general precautions of this medication.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;