Prevacid, the brand name product of lansoprazole, is a prescription and over-the-counter drug classified as a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI. It is used for the short-term treatment of stomach ulcers, symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, and erosive esophagitis. Prevacid is also used for long-term treatment of hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The medication is available as a delayed capsule and tablet administered once a day. Your physician can decide if this medication is right for you.
Stomach Ulcer and GERD
Stomach ulcers may develop from stressful live events, from an H. pylori infection and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, states "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach." Symptoms include heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, belching and bloating. GERD is a disease in which the contents of the stomach move back into the esophagus. The typical symptoms are heartburn, increased salivation, belching and regurgitation.
Role of Stomach Acid
Stomach acid consists of two essential ingredients: pepsin and hydrochloric acid. Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down the proteins found in food. Hydrochloric acid aids in the breakdown of food and destroys foreign organisms, preventing their entry into the body. This protects the body from harmful bacteria. In patients who have a stomach ulcer, or GERD, hydrochloric acid worsens symptoms so medical therapy is used to make the stomach juices less acidic.
Action of Prevacid
Prevacid works on the parietal cells found in the stomach. These cells are located in glands lining the stomach and are the source of hydrochloric acid. Prevacid decreases the secretion of acid from the parietal cells to help improve symptoms associated with stomach ulcers and GERD.
Effects of Food
Prevacid should be taken before eating food and is best taken before breakfast. According to the "Drug Information Handbook," food may decrease the concentration of Prevacid in the body. This may lead to an inadequate response to therapy. Alcohol may irritate the mucosal lining of the stomach and should be avoided with this medication.
Side Effects
Because Prevacid decreases the amount of acid released into the stomach, it may lead to gastrointestinal side effects. Abdominal pain, nausea and constipation are common side effects. If you have difficulty swallowing the delayed-release capsules, you may open them and sprinkle the contents on applesauce or yogurt. This may also help to avoid side effects. Exercise regularly and eat a sufficient amount of fiber to prevent constipation. Call your physician right away, if any of these side effects worsen.
References
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- The Free Dictionary: Gastric Acid
