Prevacid OTC or the generic Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor medication that lessens the amount of acid your stomach produces. It does this by inhibiting an enzyme in the stomach wall that is involved with stomach acid production.

Prevacid OTC will treat or prevent an intestinal or stomach ulcer; it may also be recommended if you have some other health condition related to too much stomach acid, such as erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. When gastric acid flows back into the esophagus it can lead to a burning sensation. Over time, this acid in the esophagus can cause inflammation, ulceration, and erosion, a condition known as erosive esophagitis. You can take Prevacid OTC to treat and prevent this esophageal erosion.

A prescription is not needed to buy Prevacid OTC or the generic alternative OTC drug. The strength of Prevacid OTC is 15mg, whereas prescription Prevacid is 30mg. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.