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 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.

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.