Skip to main content

Prevacid

Generic name: lansoprazolelan-SOE-pra-zol ]
Brand names: FIRST Lansoprazole, Prevacid
Drug class: Proton pump inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Mar 1, 2024.

What is Prevacid?

Prevacid is a proton pump inhibitor. Lansoprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Prevacid is used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Prevacid OTC (over-the-counter) is used to treat frequent heartburn that happens 2 or more days per week.

Prevacid is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

Warnings

Prevacid can cause kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you are urinating less than usual, or if you have blood in your urine.

Diarrhea may be a sign of a new infection. Call your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it.

Prevacid may cause new or worsening symptoms of lupus. Tell your doctor if you have joint pain and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone while taking this medicine long term or more than once per day.

If you also take sucralfate (Carafate), avoid taking it at the same time you take lansoprazole. Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb lansoprazole. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine before you take sucralfate.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Prevacid if you are allergic to lansoprazole, or if you take any medicine that contains rilpivirine (Edurant, Complera, Odefsey).

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Do not use over-the-counter Prevacid OTC without the advice of a doctor if you have:

Prevacid SoluTabs contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

You may be more likely to have a broken bone in your hip, wrist, or spine while taking a proton pump inhibitor long-term or more than once per day. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.

Some conditions are treated with a combination of lansoprazole and antibiotics. Use all medications as directed by your doctor

Do not give lansoprazole to a child younger than 1 year old. Prevacid OTC is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take Prevacid?

Use Prevacid exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Prevacid is usually taken before eating. Prevacid OTC should be taken in the morning before you eat breakfast.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open a delayed-release capsule. Swallow the capsule whole.

If you are unable to swallow a delayed-release capsule whole:

Do not break, chew, or cut an orally disintegrating tablet, and do not swallow it whole. Allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

If you are unable to dissolve the orally disintegrating tablet in your mouth:

Take Prevacid for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before your condition is completely treated.

Prevacid OTC should be taken only once daily for 14 days. It may take up to 4 days for full effect. Allow at least 4 months to pass before you start another 14-day treatment with Prevacid OTC.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are taking Prevacid. If you take Prevacid OTC, call your doctor if your heartburn gets worse over the 14-day treatment, or if you need treatment more than once every 4 months.

Some conditions are treated with a combination of lansoprazole and antibiotics. Use all medications as directed.

If you use lansoprazole for longer than 3 years, you could develop a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition if you develop it.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze the liquid medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

This medicine can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Prevacid side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction ro Prevacid: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Prevacid side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Prevacid?

Sucralfate (Carafate) can make it harder for your body to absorb lansoprazole. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking lansoprazole before you take sucralfate.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor if you use methotrexate.

Many drugs can interact with lansoprazole, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Prevacid only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.