Brand name:
Zoton (Prevacid)
Pronounced: PREH-va-sid
Generic name: Lansoprazole
Why is Zoton (Prevacid) prescribed?
Zoton (Prevacid) blocks the production of stomach acid. It is prescribed for
the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of the following:
* Stomach ulcer
* Duodenal ulcer (near the exit from the stomach)
* Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
* 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).
Once a duodenal ulcer or case of esophagitis has cleared up, the doctor
may continue prescribing Zoton (Prevacid) to prevent a relapse. Zoton (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 Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn. The drug is also used for long-term
treatment of certain diseases marked by excessive acid production,
such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Zoton (Prevacid) is also prescribed as part of a combination treatment to
eliminate the H. pylori infection that causes most cases of duodenal
ulcer.
Most important fact about Zoton (Prevacid) without
prescriptions
To relieve your symptoms and to heal your ulcer, you need to take
Zoton (Prevacid) for the full time of treatment your doctor prescribes. Keep
taking the drug even if you begin to feel better, and be sure to keep
your appointments with your doctor.
How should you take Zoton (Prevacid)?
Zoton (Prevacid) should be taken before meals. If you're using the regular
delayed-release capsules and you're having trouble swallowing them,
you can sprinkle the contents on a tablespoon of applesauce; swallow
immediately without chewing or crushing the granules. You can also
mix the granules with 2 ounces of orange juice or tomato juice. (Rinse
the glass with an additional 4 ounces of juice to make sure you get
the entire dose.)
You can also use delayed-release Zoton (Prevacid) SoluTabs, which are orally
disintegrating tablets. Each tablet should be placed on the tongue,
where it will dissolve in about 1 minute. The dissolved particles can
be swallowed with or without water. The SoluTabs should not be chewed
or swallowed whole. If you or your child has trouble swallowing the
SoluTabs, you have the option of dissolving the tablet in water and
administering the solution with an oral syringe or through a nasogastric
tube. For specific instructions, talk to your doctor. The general steps
are as follows:
1. Place the tablet in an oral syringe. Follow your doctor's directions
on the amount of water you need to draw up into the syringe.
2. Gently shake the syringe to dissolve the tablet.
3. Administer the solution within 15 minutes. This can be done directly,
with the oral syringe, or by injecting the syringe into a nasogastric
tube.
4. To be sure you have taken all of the drug, rinse out any remaining
residue by refilling the syringe with water and shaking gently; then
administer the remaining contents.
Alternatively, you can use Zoton (Prevacid) for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension.
Empty the packet into 2 tablespoonfuls of water, stir well, and swallow
immediately. Do not use any other liquid, and avoid chewing or crushing
the granules. If any material remains in the glass, add more water,
stir, and drink immediately.
If you are taking antacids for pain, you may continue to do so. You
also may continue to take sucralfate (Carafate), but take your dose
of Zoton (Prevacid) at least 30 minutes prior to the Carafate.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep away
from moisture.
Zoton (Prevacid) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Zoton (Prevacid).
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness or headache (more common
in children), nausea
Why should Zoton (Prevacid) not be prescribed?
Do not take Zoton (Prevacid) if you've ever had an allergic reaction to it,
or if you've ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or macrolide
antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E.E.S.,
E-Mycin, ERYC, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, PCE).
You must also avoid Zoton (Prevacid) if you're taking cisapride, pimozide,
astemizole, or terfenadine. Combining Zoton (Prevacid) with these drugs could
cause dangerous--and even fatal--heartbeat irregularities.
Special warnings about Zoton (Prevacid)
Do not take Zoton (Prevacid) any longer than your doctor has prescribed; Zoton (Prevacid)
should not be used for long-term therapy of duodenal ulcer or erosive
esophagitis.
If you have liver disease, be sure your doctor knows about it. Zoton (Prevacid)
should be used cautiously.
If you do not begin to feel better on Zoton (Prevacid) therapy, or if your
symptoms become worse, be sure to call your doctor.
Zoton (Prevacid) has no effect on stomach cancer. It could be present even
if Zoton (Prevacid) relieves your symptoms.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria and must avoid
the amino acid phenylalanine, since Zoton (Prevacid) contains this substance.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zoton (Prevacid)
If Zoton (Prevacid) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Zoton (Prevacid) with the following:
Ampicillin
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Iron salts (Ferro-Sequels, Ferro-Sulfate)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Zoton (Prevacid) in pregnant women have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your
doctor. It is not known whether Zoton (Prevacid) appears in human breast milk.
If Zoton (Prevacid) is essential to your health, your doctor may have you stop
breastfeeding your baby while you are taking it.
Recommended dosage for Zoton (Prevacid)
ADULTS
Overdosage
Overdoses of Zoton (Prevacid) are not known to cause any problems. Nevertheless,
no medication should be taken in excess. If you suspect an overdose,
seek medical attention immediately.
