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Lansoprazole

 

Lansoprazole (generic Prevacid) Review

brand names: Prevacid IV, Prevacid
generic name: Lansoprazole

How does it work?

HeliClear contains a combination of three different medicines; Zoton capsules (containing the active ingredient lansoprazole), Klaricid tablets (containing the active ingredient clarithromycin) and amoxicillin capsules. This combination of medicines is taken as a one or two week course to eradicate a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) from the gut. H pylori bacteria are associated with most stomach and duodenal ulcers. Eradicating the bacteria with this course of medicines helps to heal duodenal ulcers and prevent them coming back.

Lansoprazole is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pumps are found on cells that line the stomach and are used by these cells to produce stomach acid. Lansoprazole works by stopping the proton pumps from working. This reduces the production of acid in the stomach, and the reduced acidity allows the ulcer to heal. At the same time it creates an environment in which the antibiotics amoxicillin and clarithromycin can be more effective at killing the H pylori bacteria.

Amoxicillin belongs to a group of antibiotics called penicillins. It kills the H pylori bacteria by interfering with their ability to form cell walls. Bacterial cell walls normally contain several cross-links that make them strong. Amoxicillin prevents the bacteria from making these cross-links. As a result, the cell walls are weakened and the bacteria rupture and die.

Clarithromycin is a different type of antibiotic, called a macrolide. It works in a different way to amoxicillin; by preventing the H pylori from producing proteins essential to the bacterial cells. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot grow, replicate and increase in numbers.

The triple action of these three medicines eradicates the H pylori bacteria, allows the ulcer to heal and prevents it from recurring.

What should I watch for while taking Lansoprazole (Prevacid)?

It can take several days of therapy with Lansoprazole before your stomach pains improve. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your condition does not improve, or if it gets worse. You can take antacids for the occasional relief of pain unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you otherwise.

Lansoprazole (Prevacid) side effects

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

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• constipation.
• diarrhea; or
• nausea, stomach pain;
• headache;

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Why is Prevacid prescribed?

Prevacid blocks the production of stomach acid. It is prescribed for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of the following:

• Heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube connecting the throat to the stomach).
• Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
• Duodenal ulcer (near the exit from the stomach)
• Stomach ulcer

Once a duodenal ulcer or case of esophagitis has cleared up, the doctor may continue prescribing Prevacid to prevent a relapse. Prevacid is also prescribed to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in people who develop this problem while taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin, Advil, and Naprosyn. The drug is also used for long-term treatment of certain diseases marked by excessive acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Prevacid is also prescribed as part of a combination treatment to eliminate the H. pylori infection that causes most cases of duodenal ulcer.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)
  
  
• Blood disorders
  
  
• Liver disorders
  
  
• Hypersensitivity reactions such as throat and tongue (angioedema), swelling of the lips, narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), itchy blistering rash or anaphylactic shock
  
  
• Low blood glucose level (hypoglycaemia)
  
  
• Pain in the muscles and joints
  
  
• A general feeling of being unwell (malaise)
  
  
• Inflammation of the lining of the mouth (stomatitis)
  
  
• Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
  
  
• Hearing loss (reversible on stopping treatment)
  
  
• Tooth or tongue discolouration
  
  
• Taste disturbance
  
  
• Oral thrush
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Confusion
  
  
• Dizziness or loss of balance
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Disturbances of the gut such as vomiting, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, flatulence or abdominal pain
  
  

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•liver disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Lansoprazole (Prevacid), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding