Prevacid Use
Prevacid is a prescription medication that decreases the amount of acid production in your stomach. Prevacid is used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers, acid reflux disease, erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid.
How Prevacid works
Prevacid reduces acid by temporarily blocking your stomach's mechanism for producing it. This helps relieve the burning feeling and allows for healing.
How to take Prevacid
Prevacid comes in two strengths: 15 mg and 30 mg. Only your doctor can determine which dosage is right for you and how much Prevacid you should take. For best results take Prevacid right before your meal. If you have a hard time swallowing capsules, you can empty the contents onto a tablespoon of applesauce, pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, or strained pears. You can also mix the contents into juice (apple, orange, or tomato). Remember to consume the ingredients immediately. DO NOT store for later use.
Prevacid precautions
Take Prevacid at least 30 minutes before sucralfate to prevent drug interaction. Sucralfate, which is used to treat stomach conditions, may decrease the amount of Prevacid that's absorbed by your stomach. Also, if you are diagnosed with phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder, talk to your doctor about the possible risks involved with taking Prevacid.
What to tell your doctor
Before your take Prevacid, tell your doctor if have liver disease or if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, tell your doctor if you are taking medicines to treat the following conditions: - Irregular heartbeat
- Fungal infections
- Low iron counts
Prevacid side effects
If you experience an allergic reaction while taking Prevacid (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives) discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately. In clinical studies the most common side effects of Prevacid were diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and/or headache.
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