|
|
|
Prevacid |
|
|
What is Prevacid and why is it prescribed? Prevacid blocks the production of stomach acid. Prevacid is prescribed for the short-term treatment (up to 4 weeks) of duodenal ulcers. Prevacid is also used for up to 8 weeks in the treatment of stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a condition called erosive esophagitis. Once a duodenal ulcer or case of esophagitis has cleared up, the doctor may continue prescribing Prevacid to prevent a relapse. Prevacid is also prescribed to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in people who develop this problem while taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn. Prevacid is also used for long-term treatment of certain diseases marked by excessive acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Prevacid is also prescribed as part of a combination treatment to eliminate the H. pylori infection that causes most cases of duodenal ulcer. To relieve your symptoms and to heal your ulcer, you need to take Prevacid for the full time of treatment your doctor prescribes. Keep taking the drug even if you begin to feel better, and be sure to keep your appointments with your doctor. How should you take Prevacid? Follow your doctors directions for taking Prevacid. Prevacid should be taken before meals. If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, you can sprinkle the contents on a tablespoon of applesauce; swallow immediately without chewing or crushing the granules. You can also mix the granules with 2 ounces of orange juice or tomato juice. (Rinse the glass with an additional 4 ounces of juice to make sure you get the entire dose.) Alternatively, you can use Prevacid for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension. Empty the packet into 2 tablespoonfuls of water, stir well, and swallow immediately. Do not use any other liquid, and avoid chewing or crushing the granules. If any material remains in the glass, add more water, stir, and drink immediately. If you are taking antacids for pain, you may continue to do so. You also may continue to take sucralfate (Carafate), but take your dose of Prevacid at least 30 minutes prior to the Carafate. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Prevacid at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep Prevacid away from moisture. Are there any Prevacid side effects? Prevacid side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Prevacid side effects may include diarrhea. Less common Prevacid side effects may include abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea. Rare Prevacid side effects may include abnormal thinking and dreams, acne, aggravation of hostility, agitation, allergic reaction, anemia, anxiety, apathy, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bad breath, belching, black or discolored stools, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, breast development in males, breast enlargement, breast pain and tenderness, bronchitis, chest pain, chills, colitis, confusion, convulsions, cough, coughing up blood, deafness, decreased or increased sex drive, dehydration, depression, diabetes, difficult or labored breathing, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, dry or inflamed eyes, dry mouth, ear disorders, enlarged abdomen, eye pain, fainting, fever, fluid retention, "flu-like" symptoms, flushing, gallstones, gas, general feeling of illness, gout, hair loss, hallucinations, heart disorders, hiccups, high blood pressure, high or low blood sugar, hives, impotence, increased activity or sensations, increased appetite, increased salivation, indigestion, infection, inflammation of the esophagus or mouth, inflammation of the stomach lining, itching, joint or bone disorders, kidney problems, kidney stones, leg cramps, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, memory loss, menstrual problems, mouth and tongue disorders, mood swings, muscle, bone, or joint pain, neck pain or rigidity, nervousness, nosebleeds, pain, paralysis, pelvic pain, pneumonia, prickling, tingling, or pins and needles, rash, rectal hemorrhage, rectal and bladder spasms, respiratory and lung disorders, ringing in ears, runny nose, shock, sinusitis, skin disorders, sleep disorders, sore throat, stomach and intestinal hemorrhage, stroke, sweating, taste alteration, thirst, throbbing heartbeat, thyroid problems, tremors, tumors, urinary problems, vaginal inflammation, vertigo, visual disturbances, vomiting, weakness, weight gain or loss, wheezing, and yeast infection. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Prevacid? If Prevacid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prevacid with Ampicillin, Digoxin (Lanoxin), Iron salts (Ferro-Sequels, Ferro-Sulfate), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Sucralfate (Carafate), or Theophylline (Theo-Dur). Are there any special warnings about Prevacid? Do not take Prevacid any longer than your doctor has prescribed. Prevacid should not be used for long-term therapy of duodenal ulcer or erosive esophagitis. If you have liver disease, be sure your doctor knows about it. Prevacid should be used cautiously. If you do not begin to feel better on Prevacid therapy, or if your symptoms become worse, be sure to call your doctor. Prevacid has no effect on stomach cancer. It could be present even if Prevacid relieves your symptoms. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
