Prevacid Side Effects

Prevacid is widely recommended to treat an array of problems, arising due to stomach acid. It is used to treat stomach ulcers as well as intestine ulcers and also to reverse the effects of erosive esophagitis, which is caused due to extensive damage of esophagus by stomach acid. It also helps to cure Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition resulting from over production of stomach acid.

Prevacid Working Mechanism
Prevacid belongs to a class of drugs named as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI). These drugs block the enzymes which are responsible for acid production, in the wall of the stomach . The other drugs in this class are rabeprazole (Aciphex), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium). Since, after consumption of this drug the production of acid is decreased, the stomach and esophagus heal automatically. Thus, prevacid is effective in treating all sorts of stomach ulcers, originating from over production of acid.

Prevacid Side Effects

Common Side Effects
Common side effects of prevacid are mostly of minor consequences and may not need medical intervention.

• Diarrhea - up to 3.8 percent of people report mild to severe diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain (stomach pain) - up to 2.1 percent people report stomach pain as a side effect.
• Nausea - up to 1.3 percent.
• Constipation - up to 1 percent.

Other side effects, of which the patients are often warned beforehand include:

• Belching
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Flu-like symptoms
• Gas
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble sleeping
• Runny nose

Rare Side Effects
Rare prevacid side effects are those, which are reported by less than 1 percent of patients who take prevacid. These side effects include:

• Abdominal pain
• Joint or muscle pain
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Signs of liver damage (symptoms include yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes, abdominal pain, brown urine, tiredness, or weakness, loss of appetite, light-colored stools)
• Sinus pain
• Skin rash
• Sore throat
• Vision or hearing changes

Serious Side Effects
In extreme rare cases, prevacid may induce some highly dangerous side effects. The following conditions need immediate medical intervention.

• Chest pain
• Severe diarrhea with blood or mucous
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of face or throat, hives, or difficulty breathing)
• Signs of a severe skin reaction (high fever, skin rash, sores, skin peeling off, painful blisters on the skin, mouth, or eyes)

The use of prevacid by pregnant women or lactating mothers is not recommended. It is only prescribed in the cases where benefits outweigh the risks involved. Also, small children should not be given this drug, as its effects on children are yet to be established. Older children can be given prevacid for maximum 12 weeks, as a treatment for acid reflux diseas (GERD).

Side effects of prevacid are pretty uncommon, as most people show good tolerance towards it. However, if you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms, do not hesitate to consult your physician.