Prevacid (lansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) designed to provide long-lasting relief from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, and other acid-related conditions. By significantly reducing stomach acid production, it allows the esophagus to heal and prevents further damage. Trusted by healthcare professionals, Prevacid offers a clinically proven solution for managing chronic acid disorders with a well-established safety profile.

Features

• Active ingredient: Lansoprazole 15 mg or 30 mg delayed-release capsules
• Delayed-release formulation for targeted intestinal absorption
• Available in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) strengths
• Multiple administration options: oral capsules, orally disintegrating tablets, and suspension packets
• 24-hour acid control with a single daily dose
• FDA-approved for treatment and maintenance of GERD

Benefits

• Provides sustained relief from frequent heartburn and acid regurgitation
• Promotes healing of erosive esophagitis and prevents recurrence
• Reduces risk of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers in high-risk patients
• Enables comfortable eating and sleeping without acid interruption
• Minimizes nighttime acid breakthrough with consistent dosing
• Supports long-term management of chronic acid disorders under medical supervision

Common use

Prevacid is primarily indicated for the short-term treatment (4–8 weeks) of active duodenal ulcers, active benign gastric ulcers, and erosive esophagitis. It is commonly prescribed for maintenance healing of erosive esophagitis and for the treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The over-the-counter formulation is approved for the treatment of frequent heartburn (occurring two or more days per week).

Dosage and direction

Adults:

• Healing of erosive esophagitis: 30 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks
• Maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis: 15 mg once daily
• Active duodenal ulcer: 15 mg once daily for 4 weeks
• H. pylori eradication: 30 mg twice daily with antibiotics (specific regimen determined by physician)
• OTC for frequent heartburn: 15 mg once daily for 14 days

Administer before eating, preferably in the morning. Swallow capsules whole; do not crush or chew. For patients with difficulty swallowing, capsules may be opened and sprinkled on applesauce or administered via nasogastric tube as directed. Do not repeat OTC course for at least 4 months without physician consultation.

Precautions

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration appropriate to the condition being treated
• Long-term use (particularly >1 year) may increase risk of fractures, particularly of the hip, wrist, and spine
• Monitor for vitamin B12 deficiency with prolonged therapy, as acid reduction may impair absorption
• Not intended for immediate relief of heartburn; may take 1–4 days for full effect
• Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment; consider dosage adjustment
• Periodic monitoring of magnesium levels recommended with prolonged treatment

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to lansoprazole or any component of the formulation
• Concomitant use with rilpivirine-containing products due to potential for reduced antiviral efficacy
• Patients taking drugs whose absorption is pH-dependent (e.g., certain azole antifungals, iron salts, digoxin) may require monitoring or separation of administration
• Not recommended for patients with suspected gastric malignancy without proper diagnostic evaluation

Possible side effect

Common (≥1%):

• Headache (3.5%)
• Diarrhea (3.4%)
• Abdominal pain (2.6%)
• Nausea (2.0%)

Less common:

• Constipation, dry mouth, dizziness
• Rash, pruritus
• Elevated liver enzymes

Rare but serious:

• Acute interstitial nephritis
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
• Cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus
• Hypomagnesemia (with prolonged use)
• Vitamin B12 deficiency (with prolonged use)
• Fundic gland polyps (risk increases with long-term use)

Drug interaction

• Clopidogrel: May reduce antiplatelet effect; avoid concomitant use
• Methotrexate: May increase methotrexate levels; monitor closely
• Warfarin: May increase INR; monitor coagulation parameters
• Ketoconazole/Itraconazole: Reduced absorption; separate administration by several hours
• Digoxin: May increase digoxin absorption; monitor serum levels
• Tacrolimus: May increase tacrolimus exposure; monitor levels
• Saquinavir: Reduced antiviral efficacy; avoid combination

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintain regular dosing schedule to ensure consistent acid suppression.

Overdose

Limited experience with overdose. Reported doses up to 600 mg have been tolerated with minimal effects. Potential symptoms may include drowsiness, blurred vision, tachycardia, nausea, diaphoresis, flushing, headache, and dry mouth. Management is supportive with gastric lavage if recent ingestion. Dialysis is not effective due to high protein binding. Contact poison control center (1-800-222-1222) for latest guidance.

Storage

Store at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after expiration date printed on package.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual response to medication may vary. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting or changing any treatment regimen. Report any unexpected side effects to your physician immediately. The over-the-counter product should not be used for more than 14 days unless directed by a doctor.

Reviews

Clinical studies: Multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrate healing of erosive esophagitis in 77-92% of patients after 8 weeks of treatment with lansoprazole 30 mg daily. Maintenance therapy with 15 mg daily maintained healing in 67-79% of patients at 12 months compared to 13-24% with placebo.

Patient reports: Users consistently report significant improvement in nighttime heartburn and regurgitation symptoms within the first week of treatment. Many describe restored quality of life with reduced dietary restrictions. Some long-term users note the convenience of the orally disintegrating formulation for patients with swallowing difficulties.

Expert consensus: Gastroenterology guidelines position PPIs including lansoprazole as first-line therapy for erosive esophagitis and moderate-to-severe GERD. The American Gastroenterological Association notes the favorable risk-benefit profile when used appropriately at the lowest effective dose.