What Is Prevacid Used For?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are bacteria known to cause peptic ulcers, which are ulcers in the stomach or first part of the intestines, called the duodenum. Prevacid, taken in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin, has been shown to kill H. pylori. Therefore, your healthcare provider may recommend Prevacid to treat H. pylori if you currently have peptic ulcer disease or have had peptic ulcer disease within the last year. Treating an H. pylori infection, even if you have no symptoms, will lower the chances of a peptic ulcer occurring.

 

People who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on a regular basis are at an increased risk for developing stomach ulcers (also known as gastric ulcers). Prevacid has been shown to lower the chances of stomach ulcers developing in these people. Prevacid is also used for healing and stomach ulcer symptom relief.

 

Prevacid has been approved for long-term treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (conditions in which too much stomach acid is produced). Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is the most common pathological hypersecretory condition.

 

Is Prevacid Used for Children?

Prevacid has been approved to treat GERD and erosive esophagitis in children 1 to 17 years of age.

 

Are There Any "Off-Label" Uses for Prevacid?

It's possible that your healthcare provider may recommend Prevacid for something other than the conditions listed above. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, however, there are no known off-label uses for Prevacid.