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Prevacid
Prevacid Properties
About Prevacid
This article provides detailed information about Generic Prevacid (Lansoprazole), a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid production in adults. It is commonly prescribed in Singapore for conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The medication is available as a pill in 15 mg and 30 mg strengths, and its primary therapeutic goal is to promote healing of the oesophageal lining and protect against acid-related damage. While the brand name “Prevacid” is widely recognised, the active ingredient is lansoprazole, a well-studied compound that works by targeting the gastric H⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme system.
What is Generic Prevacid (Lansoprazole)?
Generic Prevacid (Lansoprazole) belongs to the class of proton-pump inhibitors, a group of drugs that provide the most potent and long-lasting suppression of gastric acid secretion. In Singapore, lansoprazole is classified as a prescription-only medicine, meaning a qualified healthcare professional must authorize its use. The drug was first approved by the U.S. FDA in 1995 and later received registration with Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) after demonstrating safety, efficacy, and bioequivalence to the reference brand. The medication is supplied as an oral tablet, with the two available dosages-15 mg for maintenance therapy and 30 mg for more severe acid-related conditions-designed to fit a range of clinical scenarios.
How Prevacid Works
Prevacid exerts its effect by irreversibly binding to the gastric H⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme, commonly known as the “proton pump,” located on the secretory surface of parietal cells in the stomach lining. This pump is the final step in the cascade that moves hydrogen ions into the gastric lumen, creating the highly acidic environment necessary for digestion. By disabling the pump, lansoprazole halts acid production at its source, leading to a sustained rise in gastric pH that can persist for up to 72 hours after a single dose.
Pharmacokinetic studies show that lansoprazole is rapidly absorbed, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 2-3 hours. It is extensively metabolised in the liver by the cytochrome P450 system (primarily CYP2C19 and CYP3A4) and eliminated mainly via the kidneys. The drug’s onset of action typically occurs within one day, but maximal acid suppression is achieved after several consecutive doses, which is why clinicians often advise a short trial period before assessing therapeutic response. Because the inhibition is irreversible, new proton pumps must be synthesized for acid secretion to resume, explaining the drug’s prolonged effect despite its relatively short plasma half-life of about 1.5 hours.
Why Prevacid Is Used for Digestive Care Conditions
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - Acid reflux damages the oesophageal epithelium, causing heartburn and potential Barrett’s oesophagus. By raising gastric pH, Prevacid allows the oesophageal lining to heal and reduces symptom frequency. Clinical guidelines from the Singapore Ministry of Health place PPIs as first-line therapy for moderate-to-severe GERD.
- Erosive oesophagitis - Endoscopic evidence of mucosal breaks responds quickly to acid suppression; a 30 mg dose typically heals lesions within 4-8 weeks.
- Peptic ulcer disease - Helicobacter pylori-associated or NSAID-induced ulcers benefit from a protected environment that promotes mucosal regeneration. When combined with appropriate eradication regimens, Prevacid accelerates ulcer closure and lowers recurrence risk.
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome - This rare gastrin-secreting tumour drives hyper-acid production. High-dose lansoprazole (often 60 mg daily) is required to control acid output, and Prevacid’s potent inhibition makes it a cornerstone of management.
- Prevention of NSAID-induced ulceration - For patients requiring long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a prophylactic PPI reduces the incidence of gastric bleeding by up to 70 % compared with placebo.
In each of these scenarios, the drug’s mechanism directly counters the pathophysiology-excess acid production-thereby addressing the root cause rather than merely masking symptoms.
Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Prevacid
Evidence from small-scale trials and observational studies suggests that lansoprazole may have benefits beyond traditional acid-related disorders. Some researchers have explored its role in functional dyspepsia, where acid suppression can alleviate epigastric discomfort in a subset of patients. Others have examined laryngopharyngeal reflux, noting improvements in chronic cough and hoarseness when acid reaches the upper airway. However, these indications are not approved by the HSA in Singapore, and the data remain limited.
Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
Is Prevacid Right for You?
Prevacid is generally appropriate for adults who experience persistent heartburn, documented ulcer disease, or require protection while taking NSAIDs. Ideal candidates are those with confirmed acid-related pathology, stable liver function, and no known hypersensitivity to PPIs. Special populations require extra caution:
- Elderly patients may have reduced renal clearance, so dose adjustment is sometimes warranted.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use Prevacid if the potential benefit outweighs any theoretical risk; current data do not indicate teratogenicity, but clinicians usually prefer the lowest effective dose.
- Patients with severe hepatic impairment may experience higher plasma levels, prompting a reduced starting dose.
If you have a history of allergic reactions to other PPIs, or you are taking medications that strongly inhibit CYP2C19 (e.g., fluconazole), discuss alternatives with your prescriber.
Taking Prevacid Effectively
- Timing: For most indications, take Prevacid 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. This maximises absorption and aligns drug activation with the post-prandial acid surge.
- Food interactions: The tablet can be swallowed with a small sip of water; food does not significantly affect bioavailability, but consistent timing helps maintain steady plasma levels.
- Missed dose: If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember-unless it is close to the time of the next scheduled dose, in which case skip the missed tablet and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double-dose.
- Travel considerations: When crossing time zones, keep the same interval between doses rather than adjusting to local meal times; this prevents periods of uncontrolled acid secretion.
- Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep the bottle tightly closed to protect the tablet from humidity.
Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Most patients tolerate Prevacid well, but some experience predictable, mechanism-related adverse events:
- Headache and dizziness - Likely related to transient changes in gastric pH affecting central neurotransmitter balance. Simple analgesics such as acetaminophen are usually sufficient.
- Diarrhoea - Reduced acidity can alter gut flora, leading to loose stools. Hydration and a low-FODMAP diet may help; if diarrhoea persists beyond two weeks, contact your clinician.
- Abdominal pain or flatulence - Often a sign of bacterial overgrowth; probiotic supplementation (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus) can restore balance.
Serious but rare events include Clostridioides difficile infection, osteoporotic fractures, and acute interstitial nephritis. These are typically associated with long-term, high-dose therapy. If you notice severe abdominal pain, unexplained bruising, or signs of infection (fever, persistent watery diarrhoea), seek medical attention promptly.
Buying Prevacid from Our Online Pharmacy
Why Choose Our Service?
Access to prescription medicines can be challenging, especially for expatriates or busy professionals in Singapore. Our online pharmacy streamlines the process, allowing you to obtain Prevacid quickly, securely, and at a competitive price. By partnering with licensed international suppliers, we ensure that every batch meets stringent quality standards.
Quality & Safety
We work exclusively with pharmacies that operate under the oversight of regulatory authorities such as the HSA and the U.S. FDA. All products are stored in climate-controlled facilities and undergo third-party verification before shipment, guaranteeing authenticity and potency.
Pricing & Access
Generic Prevacid (Lansoprazole) is typically 30-40 % cheaper than the branded version, delivering substantial savings for long-term users. In addition, we offer a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making chronic therapy more affordable without compromising quality.
Discreet Delivery
Orders are packaged in plain, tamper-evident containers and dispatched via reputable couriers. Express shipping arrives within ≈ 7 days, while standard delivery takes up to ≈ 3 weeks, both with full tracking and signature confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is it safe to take Prevacid with antacids? Yes, occasional use of calcium-based antacids does not interfere with lansoprazole’s action because the PPI works downstream of the acid-neutralising effect. However, avoid taking them simultaneously; separate them by at least 30 minutes to minimise gastric discomfort.
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Can I stop Prevacid abruptly after long-term use? Sudden discontinuation may lead to rebound hyper-acidity, causing renewed heartburn. A tapering schedule-gradually reducing the dose over 2-4 weeks-is recommended for patients who have been on therapy for more than three months.
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How does Prevacid compare with omeprazole? Both are PPIs, but lansoprazole has a slightly faster onset and may achieve higher intragastric pH levels at equivalent doses. Some clinicians prefer it for patients who do not respond adequately to omeprazole, though head-to-head trials show comparable healing rates for most indications.
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Will Prevacid affect the absorption of other drugs? Because gastric acidity influences the dissolution of certain medications (e.g., ketoconazole, atazanavir), taking Prevacid can reduce their bioavailability. If you are on such agents, your prescriber may adjust timing or select alternative therapies.
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Is it appropriate for occasional heartburn relief? For infrequent symptoms, over-the-counter antacids or H2-blockers are usually sufficient. Prevacid is intended for persistent or severe acid-related disease, and using it without a prescription may mask underlying pathology.
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Can I use Prevacid while on blood thinners? Lansoprazole does not have a direct pharmacodynamic interaction with warfarin, but it can inhibit CYP2C19, potentially affecting the metabolism of certain anticoagulants. Routine INR monitoring is advisable when initiating or discontinuing therapy.
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What should I do if I miss a dose while travelling across time zones? Maintain the same interval between doses as before travel. If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed tablet to avoid double dosing.
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Does Prevacid help with night-time reflux? Yes, the prolonged acid suppression provided by lansoprazole reduces nocturnal gastric acidity, decreasing the likelihood of reflux while lying down. Taking the tablet before the evening meal can further improve night-time symptom control.
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Are there any dietary restrictions while on Prevacid? No strict restrictions exist, but limiting caffeine, alcohol, and highly acidic foods can enhance symptom relief. A balanced diet supports overall gastrointestinal health and may reduce the need for dose escalation.
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Can Prevacid be used in children? Lansoprazole is approved for pediatric use in specific formulations and dosages, but the adult tablet form (15 mg/30 mg) is not recommended for children without specialist guidance.
Glossary
- Proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)
- A class of drugs that irreversibly block the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme in gastric parietal cells, leading to profound reduction of stomach acid secretion.
- Rebound hyper-acidity
- A transient increase in gastric acid production that can occur after abrupt cessation of PPIs, often manifesting as renewed heartburn or dyspepsia.
- CYP2C19
- An isoenzyme of the cytochrome P450 system responsible for metabolising many drugs, including lansoprazole; genetic variations can affect drug levels and efficacy.
Disclaimer
The information provided about Prevacid is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions, including those regarding off-label use, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Prevacid for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.
