If you are looking for Prevacid over-the-counter you may be a bit confused. That is because there is a difference between the prescription of this drug and the over the counter version.
The prescription form of Prevacid has been marketed under several brand names over the years, including Prevacid, Helicid, Zoton, and Inhibitol. Lansoprazole is the generic version of this drug.
This drug was originally approved by the FDA in 1995. The patent for it expired in late 2009. By the end of 2009, the generic drug of lansoprazole was approved for over the counter use in a product that is now available as Prevacid 24HR.
The generic version of the original prescription drug is also currently being sold as lansoprazole. Both are being sold for 50% to even only 25% of the total cost.
The generic lansoprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). It is one of several PPIs that is offered today.
The main role of this prescription formula is to reduce the acid that is in your stomach. It does this by stopping the secretion of it and this helps prevent it from backing up into the esophagus.
This similar action is also encouraged by the use of the non-prescription formula. The availability of this new non-prescription version of lansoprazole has just made it easier for people to find treatment.
Typically, this drug is available in a 15mg Prevacid over the counter non-prescription. This one is the easiest to obtain, but you can still ask your doctor about the prescription version of this drug.
You should only take this medication exactly as directed on the label. The only exception would be if you are given different advice by your doctor.
While using this drug, you should beware of interactions associated with it. For instance, it sometimes counteracts with certain antifungal medications. Additionally, there is a risk of increases plasma concentrations to a toxic level when mixed with Cilostazol.
The absorption of lansoprazole products is often reduced when taken with the following substances: sucralfate, ampicillin, bisacodyl, delavirdine, fluvoxamine or iron salts. Theophylline, voriconazole, aminophylline, theophylline, and astemizole are also some possible inhibitors of Prevacid 24HR or generic versions.
Users should also be aware of possible side effects. Some of the most common ones include dry mouth, insomnia, drowsiness, blurred vision, rash, and pruritus.
Rarer and/or more serious side effects include bad taste in mouth, liver problems, dropsy, bronchial spasms, skin rashes, light sensitivity, fever, sweating, depression, or even blood disorders such as leucopeni, pancytopenia, or leukocytosis.