Prevacid Orodispersable (lansoprazole orodispersible) is a proton pump inhibitor which inhibits the production of stomach acid. It is widely used to treat acid reflux disease and other disorders resulting from production of excess stomach acid.

This is a long-term treatment that does little for immediate heartburn relief. Fast-acting antacids may be taken as-needed along with Prevacid Orodispersable.

The orodispersable in this product's name indicates that it comes in wafers designed to rapidly dissolve in the mouth or in a small quantity of water. Ideally the medication is placed on the tongue, where it begins to dissolve; within one minute the tablet should break into smaller pieces. These pieces can be swallowed or left on the tongue to dissolve more. Orodispersable tablets should not be chewed or crushed.

If administering Prevacid Orodispersable through an oral syringe or nasogastric tube, place the tablet in the oral syringe and add water; how much water depends on the dosage strength of the tablet:

• For 15 mg tablets mix with 4 ml water.
• For 30 mg tablets mix with 10 ml water.

Administration should commence within 15 minutes of dissolving the tablets.

Uses of Prevacid Orodispersable

Prevacid Orodispersable is used to treat a number of conditions resulting from excessive production of stomach acid; it is often preferred by patients who have an aversion to or difficulty swallowing whole tablets.

The medication is often used to treat:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - In addition to alleviating the symptoms of GERD, the reduced production of stomach acid allows the esophagus to heal and prevents further esophagus damage from occurring.
• Stomach or intestinal ulcers - Reduced acid production helps prevent recurrence of healed ulcers, as well as inhibits ulcer development in patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It may also be used in combination with one or more other medications to treat and prevent ulcers resulting from bacteria.
• Excessive acid production - Some conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, are successfully treated with proton pump inhibitors.
• Frequent heartburn - While it does not provide immediate relief, use of this product can help control chronic heartburn over the long run.

The above are the most common uses; the medication may be used for additional purposes not listed above.

Taking Prevacid Orodispersable

Prevacid Orodispersable is typically taken once per day before a meal, ideally at the same time each day. More frequent doses may be recommended when used in conjunction with other medications to treat bacterial ulcers, in which case physician instructions should be followed.

Some patients are instructed to also take sucralfate along with Prevacid Orodispersable; sucralfate should be taken at least 30 minutes prior to or following administration of Prevacid Orodispersable.

Duration of treatment typically lasts between two to twelve weeks, depending on the condition being treated and patient response. Treatment may be repeated every four to six months if needed.

Warnings & Side Effects

Prevacid is a widely-recognized name often recommended by doctors around the world for promoting long-term relief of chronic heartburn, GERD symptoms, and ulcer healing and prevention. However, while unlikely to be dangerous, there is still a risk of side effects.

The most common side effects are mild and not cause for concern:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal discomfort

Other medications can also interact with Prevacid Orodispersable, or any proton pump inhibitors; these interactions can influence the effectiveness of one or more of the involved medications. Substances of concern include:

• Ampicillin
• Atazanavir
• Clopidogrel
• Digoxin
• Ketoconazole
• Theophylline
• Iron
• Blood thinners
• Diuretics

Be sure the prescribing doctor is aware if any of the above are being taken. To be on the safe side, always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing any other treatments with Prevacid Orodispersable.