Prevacid, or lansoprazole, is used for short-term therapy of duodenal ulcers and erosive esophagitis, which is inflammation and irritation of the lining of the esophagus. Short-term therapy means 1 to 2 months, depending on the condition being treated. The effects of Prevacid are noted primarily on the gastrointestinal system.
Suppresses Gastric Acid Production
Billie Ann Wilson, Ph.D., Margaret Shannon, Ph.D., and Kelly Shields Pharm.D., authors of "Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010," explain that one of the effects of Prevacid is suppression of gastric acid production. Prevacid is a proton pump inhibitor. This means it interferes with a natural process called the acid proton pump, which occurs in the stomach. This pump is made up of hydrogen ions (acid) and a special enzyme called potassium ATPase. Together, the hydrogen ion and the enzyme form gastric acid that is released from special cells in the lining of the stomach called parietal cells. Because Prevacid interferes with the normal function of this acid pump, the parietal cells do not produce as much stomach acid.
Less stomach acid means less irritation of the stomach lining, which decreases the risk of gastric ulcers. Reducing stomach acid also means reducing esophagitis from reflux of acid into the stomach.
Diarrhea
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that diarrhea is the most commonly reported side effect. The occurrence of diarrhea is related to the dose of Prevacid. There is a higher incidence of diarrhea in dosages greater than 30 milligrams daily. When Prevacid is mixed with antibiotics such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin to treat gastric ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, diarrhea becomes more problematic. Patients who experience prolonged diarrhea should report the symptoms to the prescribing doctor.
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Another effect of Prevacid is elevation of liver enzymes. Prevacid is metabolized by the liver. In some patients, especially those who have liver disease, the breaking down of Prevacid can be toxic on the liver. This adverse effect is noted when liver enzymes begin to rise. Patients should have baseline liver enzymes checked before starting Prevacid. Patients with serious liver disease should not take Prevacid.
Altered Kidney and Bladder Function
Although the NIH states that patients with renal impairment can tolerate normal dosing regimens of Prevacid, doctors should monitor kidney function for hematuria (blood in the urine), and albuminuria (protein in the urine). This effect of Prevacid may occur because a large portion of the drug is eliminated in the urine as a metabolite. The kidneys and bladder may be irritated by this process. The kidneys may allow protein to leak into the urine, or the bladder lining may become inflamed, causing blood in the urine. Patients should be monitored for these problems through regular urinalysis tests.
References
- "Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010"; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010
- National Institute of Health Daily Med Sheet: "Prevacid"
