Prevacid is designed to control the stomach’s production of acid and control acid reflux symptoms. Too much acid in the stomach is one of the signs of acid reflux disease. There are many advantages linked with taking this medication. This medication is only available to individuals with a prescription. The active ingredient in Prevacid is a proton pump inhibitor.
Information on Prevacid
Prevacid is much like other medications used to treat stomach acid regulation disorders, such as Nexium. Prevacid utilizes the active ingredient “lansoprazole” to curb the effects of acid reflux disease. It is used to treat stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. This active ingredient is a proton pump inhibitor that is very similar to the ingredients used in Nexium. The lansoprazole in Prevacid acts to slow or prevent the production of acid in the stomach. The Prevacid treatment for acid reflux is no cure, it merely controls the causes of acid reflux and helps alleviate acid reflux pain and other symptoms of acid reflux.
Prevacid Dosing Instructions
This medication should be taken as directed. Prevacid is typically taken once or twice daily as recommended depending on the treatment plan. Prevacid capsules are designed to be swallowed whole; however, if swallowing the pill is too difficult, the consumer may opt to open them and sprinkle them on food. Prevacid capsules may be more effective and longer lasting when they are taken whole because they are time-release capsules that steadily release medication throughout the system.
Side Effects of Prevacid
Some consumers may experience a number of side effects while taking this medication. Possible side effects linked with Prevacid use include dry mouth, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, difficulty sleeping and runny nose. Use of Prevacid should seize if the consumer experiences an allergic reaction to Prevacid like swelling of the tongue or difficulty breathing.
Consumers should familiarize themselves with the warnings provided by the manufacturers of Prevacid before use. There have been no studies conducted on the effects of Prevacid during pregnancy, but pregnant women should not take Nexium. Pregnant women should always consult with their health care provider before taking any medication. Parents that suspect infant acid reflux in their children should immediately contact a doctor regarding the matter. Prevacid may not be the best approach in dealing with acid reflux in newborns.
What Does Prevacid Look Like?
Prevacid capsules are designed with very distinct markings. This medication is currently available in capsules containing either 30 milligrams or 15 milligrams of lansoprazole. They are designed into pink and black or pink and green gelatin capsules. They are time-release capsules that evenly distribute medication throughout the system over a certain amount of time.
Prevacid capsules are imprinted with markings on the side, informing the consumer as to the amount of lansoprazole within each capsule. 30-milligram Prevacid capsules are pink, black and marked with the number 30 on the side. Fifteen-milligram Prevacid capsules are pink and green with the number 15 market on the side of the capsule.
Sources:
RxList: Prevacid
Drugs.com: Prevacid
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