Prevacid (lansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribed for the treatment and management of various acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. By significantly reducing stomach acid production, it provides sustained relief from symptoms and promotes healing of damaged esophageal and gastric tissue. This medication is available in delayed-release capsules and orally disintegrating tablets, offering flexible administration to suit individual patient needs. Clinical studies support its efficacy in both short-term symptomatic control and long-term maintenance therapy for chronic conditions.

Features

• Active ingredient: Lansoprazole 15 mg or 30 mg
• Formulations: Delayed-release capsules and orally disintegrating tablets
• Mechanism: Irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system (proton pump) in gastric parietal cells
• Onset of action: Within 1–3 hours after administration
• Duration of acid suppression: Up to 24 hours with once-daily dosing
• FDA-approved for multiple indications including GERD, erosive esophagitis, and H. pylori eradication (in combination with antibiotics)

Benefits

• Provides rapid and sustained relief from heartburn, regurgitation, and other GERD symptoms
• Promotes healing of erosive esophagitis with proven efficacy in clinical trials
• Reduces risk of NSAID-associated gastric ulcers in high-risk patients
• Enables successful eradication of H. pylori when used in combination therapy regimens
• Offers convenient once-daily dosing for improved adherence
• Available in multiple formulations to accommodate patient preferences and needs

Common use

Prevacid is commonly prescribed for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including both symptomatic relief and healing of erosive esophagitis. It is indicated for maintenance therapy of healed erosive esophagitis to prevent recurrence. Additionally, it is used for the treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Prevacid is also prescribed for the short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcers and as part of combination therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence. Off-label uses may include treatment of upper GI bleeding and prevention of stress ulcers in critically ill patients.

Dosage and direction

The recommended adult dosage for healing of erosive esophagitis is 30 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks. For maintenance therapy of healed erosive esophagitis, the dosage is 15 mg once daily. For symptomatic GERD, the recommended dose is 15 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks. For H. pylori eradication, Prevacid 30 mg is administered twice daily as part of combination therapy with antibiotics for 10-14 days. For hypersecretory conditions, the initial dose is 60 mg once daily, with dosage adjusted individually based on patient response. Prevacid should be taken before meals, preferably in the morning. Capsules should be swallowed whole; for patients who have difficulty swallowing, capsules may be opened and sprinkled on applesauce. Orally disintegrating tablets should be placed on the tongue and allowed to disintegrate.

Precautions

Long-term use of PPIs like Prevacid may be associated with increased risk of bone fractures, particularly with high doses and prolonged therapy (greater than one year). Patients should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration appropriate for the condition being treated. Hypomagnesemia may occur with prolonged treatment, which may present as muscle spasms, arrhythmias, or seizures; monitoring of magnesium levels should be considered before initiation and periodically during treatment. Prevacid may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of acute interstitial nephritis. There may be an increased risk of fundic gland polyps with long-term use, which generally are benign. Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur with long-term therapy due to decreased gastric acid secretion.

Contraindications

Prevacid is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to lansoprazole or any component of the formulation. Concomitant use with rilpivirine-containing products is contraindicated due to potential for decreased rilpivirine absorption and reduced antiviral efficacy. Prevacid is contraindicated in patients taking drugs whose absorption is pH-dependent and where a significant reduction in bioavailability would pose a clinical risk. Use should be avoided in patients with a history of acute interstitial nephritis with previous PPI use.

Possible side effect

Common side effects (≥1%) include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and constipation. Less frequent side effects may include dizziness, rash, and elevated liver enzymes. Serious side effects requiring medical attention include severe diarrhea, kidney problems (changes in urine output, blood in urine), low magnesium levels (muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, seizures), and signs of lupus (joint pain, rash on cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight). Long-term use may be associated with increased risk of bone fractures, vitamin B12 deficiency, and fundic gland polyps. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported rarely.

Drug interaction

Prevacid may alter the absorption of drugs that require gastric acid for optimal bioavailability, including ketoconazole, iron salts, digoxin, and certain protease inhibitors. Concomitant use with methotrexate may decrease methotrexate clearance and increase toxicity. Prevacid may increase concentrations of tacrolimus. CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 inducers (such as rifampin) may decrease lansoprazole concentrations. Clopidogrel efficacy may be reduced when used concomitantly with PPIs due to competitive inhibition of CYP2C19. Monitoring and dose adjustments may be necessary when co-administering with warfarin, phenytoin, or theophylline.

Missed dose

If a dose of Prevacid is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Consistency in dosing is important for maintaining acid suppression, particularly for conditions requiring continuous acid control. If multiple doses are missed, patients should contact their healthcare provider for guidance on resuming therapy.

Overdose

There is limited experience with deliberate overdose. Lansoprazole is not removed by hemodialysis. Doses up to 600 mg daily have been administered without symptomatic adverse effects. Expected symptoms would be consistent with the known effects of lansoprazole, including hypersecretion of gastric acid. Management should be symptomatic and supportive. In cases of suspected overdose, medical attention should be sought immediately. Gastric lavage may be considered if performed soon after ingestion. There is no specific antidote for lansoprazole overdose.

Storage

Prevacid should be stored at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and protected from moisture and light. Do not store in bathroom areas where moisture levels are high. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. For the orally disintegrating tablets, keep the blister package sealed until time of use.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Prevacid is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Individual response to medication may vary, and only a healthcare provider can determine the appropriate treatment based on a patient’s specific medical condition, history, and current medications. Patients should not discontinue or change their dosage without consulting their healthcare provider. Report any adverse effects to your physician promptly.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate that Prevacid provides effective acid suppression with once-daily dosing. In trials for erosive esophagitis, healing rates of 92% were achieved at 8 weeks with 30 mg daily dosing. For GERD symptom relief, patients reported significant improvement within the first few days of treatment. Long-term maintenance therapy studies show Prevacid effectively prevents relapse of erosive esophagitis in most patients. The orally disintegrating formulation has been particularly well-received by patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules. Some patients report complete resolution of acid-related symptoms that had been persistent despite other therapies. The safety profile is generally favorable, with most adverse effects being mild and transient.