Prevacid Drug Description

The active ingredient in PREVACID Delayed-Release Capsules and PREVACID SoluTab Delayed-Release Orally Disintegrating Tablets is lansoprazole, a substituted benzimidazole, 2-[[[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2-pyridyl] methyl] sulfinyl] benzimidazole Femalefil, a compound that inhibits gastric acid secretion. Its empirical formula is C₁₆H₁₄F₃N₃O₂S with a molecular weight of 369.37. PREVACID has the following structure:

Lansoprazole is a white to brownish-white odorless crystalline powder which melts with decomposition at approximately 166°C. Lansoprazole is freely soluble in dimethylformamide; soluble in methanol; sparingly soluble in ethanol; slightly soluble in ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and acetonitrile; very slightly soluble in ether; and practically insoluble in hexane and water.

Lansoprazole is stable when exposed to light for up to two months. The rate of degradation of the compound in aqueous solution increases with decreasing pH. The degradation half-life of the drug substance in aqueous solution at 25°C is approximately 0.5 hour at pH 5.0 and approximately 18 hours at pH 7.0.

PREVACID is supplied in delayed-release capsules and in delayed-release orally disintegrating tablets for oral administration.

The delayed-release capsules are available in two dosage strengths: 15 mg and 30 mg of lansoprazole per capsule. Each delayed-release capsule contains enteric-coated granules consisting of 15 mg or 30 mg of lansoprazole (active ingredient) and the following inactive ingredients: sugar sphere, sucrose, methacrylic acid copolymer, low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, starch, magnesium carbonate, talc, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, polysorbate 80, hydroxypropyl cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Red No. 28, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Green No. 3¹, and FD&C Red No. 40.

PREVACID SoluTab Delayed-Release Orally Disintegrating Tablets are available in two dosage strengths: 15 mg and 30 mg of lansoprazole per tablet. Each delayed-release orally disintegrating tablet contains enteric-coated microgranules consisting of 15 mg or 30 mg of lansoprazole (active ingredient) and the following inactive ingredients: mannitol, methacrylic acid, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate-microcrystalline cellulose sphere, triethyl citrate, crospovidone, polyacrylate, magnesium carbonate, aspartame², glyceryl monostearate, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, citric acid, titanium dioxide, talc, artificial strawberry flavor, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80 and ferric oxide.

SIDE EFFECTS:Diarrhea, abdominal pain, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this product, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: symptoms of a low magnesium blood level (such as unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, persistent muscle spasms, seizures).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS:Before taking lansoprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as omeprazole, pantoprazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease.

Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have: heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest pain or shoulder pain (especially with trouble breathing, sweating, lightheadedness, pain spreading to arms/jaw/neck/shoulders), unexplained weight loss.

In addition, before you self-treat with this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of these signs of a serious condition: trouble/pain swallowing food, bloody vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody/black stools, heartburn for over 3 months, frequent chest pain, frequent wheezing (especially with heartburn), nausea/vomiting, stomach pain.

Proton pump inhibitors (such as lansoprazole) may increase your risk for bone fractures, especially with longer use, higher doses, and in older adults. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about ways to prevent bone loss/fracture, such as by taking calcium (such as calcium citrate) and vitamin D supplements.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. The effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

About Prevacid

Prevacid is a proton pump inhibitor. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's able to decrease the amount of acid in the stomach and prevent and treat stomach pains, ulcers, acid reflux, erosive esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Erosive Vogira esophagitis is any damage to the esophagus from acid from the stomach. GERD occurs when stomach acids get backed up into the esophagus, and often result in heartburn. Once Prevacid heals the damage done to the esophagus, this medication can be used to prevent it from coming back.

1. Diagnosis

   • It's important to know the symptoms of acid reflux or stomach acid issues, to know when to contact a doctor and take Prevacid. Acid reflux and other stomach acid problems cause a sour taste in the mouth, problems swallowing, belching, coughing, regurgitating and chest pain.

   Features

   • Prevacid can be found in a capsule, tablet or liquid form. It's recommended that this medication be taken before eating. It's important to take the medication at the same time each day, in order to maintain balance in the body. Prevacid should never be chewed, split or crushed, and will not work properly unless taken as prescribed by a physician.

   Function

   • There are cells located in the lining of the stomach that contain pumps that produce acid. The acid in the stomach is used in the body during digestion. When the stomach acid backs up, it causes acid reflux disease and creates a burning sensation in the stomach. Prevacid is able to turn off the pumps and prevent acid from forming. This reduces the amount of stomach acid and reduces pain in the stomach and esophagus.

   Benefits

   • Prevacid helps treat and prevent stomach acid from building up and producing heartburn pain, and can provide heartburn relief for 24 hours. This medication can also heal any damage done to the esophagus. If the medication is continued as prescribed, it can stop the damage from coming back. It can take 4 to 8 weeks for damage to the esophagus to heal completely.

   Side Effects

   • Common side effects of Prevacid are nausea, stomach pain, headache, diarrhea or constipation. Allergic reactions are possible while on Prevacid, and it's important to contact a doctor or go to the emergency room if there is difficulty breathing, an appearance of hives or swelling in the face, tongue, throat or lips.