Use lansoprazole exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Lansoprazole is usually taken before eating. Prevacid OTC should be taken in the morning before you eat breakfast.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Shake the lansoprazole oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Swallow the lansoprazole capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.
Use lansoprazole for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.
Prevacid OTC should be taken only once daily for 14 days. It may take up to 4 days for full effect. Allow at least 4 months to pass before you start another 14-day treatment with Prevacid OTC.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are taking lansoprazole. If you take Prevacid OTC, call your doctor if your heartburn gets worse over the 14-day treatment, or if you need treatment more than once every 4 months.
Some conditions are treated with a combination of lansoprazole and antibiotics. Use all medications as directed.
If you use lansoprazole for longer than 3 years, you could develop a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition if you develop it.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze the liquid medicine.
 Detailed Lansoprazole dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
