Prevacid for Infants: Side Effects, Uses & Safety

Prevacid, also known as lansoprazole, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by turning off some of the pumps, located in the cells lining the stomach, which produce acid. This reduces the amount of acid the cells produce. Prevacid is most commonly prescribed to adults but can also be prescribed to infants and children.

Uses of Prevacid

• Prevacid has several uses. But in infants it is most commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux.

Gastroesophageal Reflux

• In a infant, gastroesophageal reflux occurs because the digestive tract is still developing and the lower esophageal sphincter, which separates the stomach from the esophagus, is not yet coordinated enough to close completely. This incomplete closing allows food and acid to travel back up the esophagus.

Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux

• Some symptoms an infant might exhibit when he has gastroesophageal reflux include: irritability, spitting up, choking, poor sleeping or frequent waking and refusing to eat.

How to Obtain Prevacid

• An infant's doctor will prescribe Prevacid. You cannot purchase it over the counter.

Side Effects of Prevacid

• Dizziness, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation and a rash are some side effects associated with Prevacid.