Prevacid is a medication used to heal and prevent damage done to the stomach, intestines and esophagus from excess stomach acid. Some conditions, like acid reflux or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are receptive to treatment with Prevacid, as indicated by Drugs.com. Prevacid should be taken exactly as prescribed and your doctor should know about any existing health conditions or medications you are taking to prevent adverse side effects or interactions.
Drug Interactions
Individuals who are also taking sucralfate medications should wait at least 30 minutes after taking Prevacid before taking this medication. Drugs.com warns that sucralfate can reduce the absorption of Prevacid by the body. Other drug interactions may be possible and the effects are difficult to predict. Drugs.com suggests possible interaction with medications like ampicillin, atazanavir, clopidogrel, digoxin, ketoconazole, blood thinners, iron or theophylline. The use of drugs that may interact with Prevacid may lead to a reduction in efficacy of either medication, reports eMedTV.com. The medications may build up in the liver and cause an overdose due the body not being able to metabolize the doses adequately, as indicated by eMedTV.com.
Allergy to Lansoprazole
Drugs.com warns users to avoid Prevacid if they have an allergy to lansoprazole. Signs of this allergic reaction can include hives, skin itching, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, swelling of the tongue or swelling of the throat. This can be very serious if medical attention is not provided in a timely manner.
Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, there are only a few side effects associated with the use of Prevacid. Unless side effects are persistent or overly bothersome, Drugs.com states they are considered to be harmless. These side effects include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation.
Some users may experience more serious side effects. According to eMedTV.com the more serious side effects are rare and only occur in fewer than 1 percent of patients. Such hazards can include chest pain, stroke, high blood pressure, fainting, migraine, heart attack, ulcerative colitis, gout, weight gain, weight loss, depression, insomnia, asthma, nosebleed, acne, hair loss or erectile dysfunction in men.
