Prevacid is the brand name for the generic medication lansoprazole. It is a proton pump inhibitor that works to treat digestive disorders such as ulcers, reflux disease and other conditions that contribute to the erosion of the lining of the digestive tract. Prevacid works by decreasing the activity of the pumps that release acid into the stomach for food digestion. Prevacid is available by prescription in capsules, quick-dissolving tablets and liquid suspension form, and it has many uses.
Duodenal Ulcer
A duodenal ulcer is an erosion in the lining of the upper part of the intestines. Prevacid is approved for the treatment of active duodenal ulcers. It is given at the dose of 15mg once a day for four weeks. It is also used for the maintenance of healed duodenal ulcers to prevent reoccurrence. If H. pylori infection is suspected, Prevacid may be combined with antibiotics such as amoxicillin or clarithromycin for a two-week treatment.
Gastric Ulcer
A gastric ulcer is a raw area in the lining of the stomach that may occur from the use of medications or may occur on its own. Benign gastric ulcer may be treated with Prevacid at the dose of once daily for eight weeks. Gastric ulcers that are associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are treated with 30mg once daily for eight weeks or 15mg once daily for 12 weeks.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where highly acidic stomach contents leak back from the stomach into the esophagus. It may be experienced as heartburn but may progress to a more serious condition if left untreated. GERD may be treated with 15mg of Prevacid once daily for eight weeks.
Erosive Esophagitis
Erosive esophagitis is a condition where GERD has progressed to damage the lining of the esophagus. It may be considered a serious medical condition, because the esophagus may eventually be perforated and the condition increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Erosive esophagitis may be treated with Prevacid 30mg once daily for eight weeks, then 15mg daily to maintain healing. Use of Prevacid for more than 12 months has not been well studied.
Hypersecretory Conditions
Hypersecretory conditions may be caused by diseases such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which includes the development of small tumors in the pancreas. These tumors increase levels of a digestive hormone known as gastrin, which in turn causes too many digestive juices to be secreted and may eventually cause erosion of the gastric or duodenal linings. Prevacid is approved to treat hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome at the dose of 60mg once daily. Daily use of Prevacid for more than 12 months has not been fully researched.
