Drug Uses

Prevacid is used as a short term treatment measure for conditions like stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, heartburn or other symptoms related to gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

Please drink a full glass of water with Prevacid. You should not break or crush the table and in case you are having problems to swallow the pill you can sprinkle the contents on a spoon and then consume it along with applesauce.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Prevacid at room temperature (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Overdose

An overdose of Prevacid does not have any serious adverse effects. Contact the nearest emergency poison control center immediately if you notice any adverse effects.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Prevacid if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions liver diseases.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.


Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Prevacid. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Prevacid before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

Prevacid is in the FDA Category B of pregnancy.

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Prevacid to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

You should consult a doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines like atazanavir (Reyataz); theophylline (such as Elixophyllin, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theobid, Theoclear, Theo-Dur, Uniphyl);
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen); ketoconazole (Nizoral); iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others); or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Prevacid as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.