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What is lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat acid reflux by reducing acid production in the stomach. It provides relief for indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux and stomach ulcers.

How does lansoprazole work?

Lansoprazole works by targeting the proton pumps in the stomach. Proton pumps are present in the stomach lining and produce acid to digest food. Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that stops them from releasing acid to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach.

How long does it take for lansoprazole to work?

Lansoprazole starts to work within one to two hours of taking it. After two to three days, you should notice increased relief from your symptoms. Treatment for indigestion or acid reflux can last a number of weeks depending on your health problem.

Lansoprazole summary

Active ingredient

Lansoprazole is the active ingredient in lansoprazole capsules.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients in lansoprazole capsules are: Sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch), Sodium lauryl sulphate, Meglumine, Mannitol (E421), Hypromellose, Macrogol, Talc, Polysorbate 80, Titanium dioxide (E171), Methacrylic Acid-Ethyl Acrylate Copolymer (1:1), Dispersion 30%.

Please note: Different generic brands of lansoprazole can contain different inactive ingredients than those listed here. Please read the patient information leaflet provided for further details

Lansoprazole dosage

For acid reflux, the usual dose of lansoprazole is 15 mg or 30 mg per day. Your prescribed dose will depend on your symptoms.

How to take lansoprazole

Lansoprazole should be taken once a day, first thing in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating. If you have been prescribed two capsules per day then the second one should be taken in the evening, again 30 minutes to one hour before food.

Lansoprazole side effects

Common side effects of lansoprazole include: 

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea 
• Vomiting 
• Constipation 
• Flatulence 
• Dizziness 
• Drowsiness
• Rash 
• Dry mouth 

Less common side effects of lansoprazole include: 

• Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus: a rare condition that produces joint pain and a red rash. 
• Stomach pains (which may indicate pancreatitis or liver problems)

Signs of an allergic reaction to lansoprazole include: 

• Difficulty breathing
• Swollen face, throat or tongue
• Wheezing
• Rash and itching 
• Tightness in the chest 

If this happens, seek immediate emergency medical attention.

How to cope with lansoprazole side effects

If you experience headaches, these should be temporary and typically last a week; drink plenty of water to stay hydrated or consider taking a painkiller after speaking to a doctor or pharmacist. Eat smaller meals and avoid oily, fatty or spicy foods if you feel sick or get an upset stomach. Avoiding foods like onions, beans, cabbage and cauliflower can help reduce wind or bloating. Include fiber rich foods in your meals and exercise regularly to help ease constipation.

Contraindications

Lansoprazole may not be suitable if: 

• You have previously experienced an allergic reaction to lansoprazole or other proton pump inhibitor medicines 
• You have liver problems 
• You are scheduled to have an endoscopy

Inform your doctor if any of these circumstances apply to you.

Drug interactions

There are certain medicines that can interact with lansoprazole and increase your likelihood of experiencing side effects. These are: 

• Antifungal medicines 
• Digoxin
• Methotrexate
• HIV medication
• Phenytoin
• Rifampicin 
• Clopidogrel
• Fluvoxamine
• St John's wort

You should always inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines to ensure their combination will not cause harm or make your treatment less effective. 

Lansoprazole and pregnancy

Lansoprazole is not recommended to use during pregnancy. It's best to find natural methods of reducing acid reflux. Alternatively, Omeprazole is safe to use if you are pregnant. 

Can I take lansoprazole and paracetamol or ibuprofen?

Lansoprazole is safe to take alongside paracetamol. You should not be taking ibuprofen if you have a stomach or gastrointestinal problem such as indigestion, heartburn, ulcers or acid reflux as Ibuprofen can make them worse. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using painkillers alongside lansoprazole.

Can I take Lansoprazole with over the counter antacids?

Over the counter antacids such as Gaviscon and Rennies can be used alongside lansoprazole. However, you must always leave two hours between taking each type of medicine.

Alternatives to lansoprazole

Omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole and esomeprazole are also proton pump inhibitors and suitable alternatives to lansoprazole.

Lansoprazole vs omeprazole

Lansoprazole and omeprazole are both proton pump inhibitors. Studies have shown that there are no major differences between these two medicines. Lansoprazole may reduce symptoms faster than omeprazole. omeprazole is safe for pregnant women under the advice of a doctor, whereas lansoprazole is usually not recommended.

Is lansoprazole available over the counter?

Lansoprazole is only available on prescription. Therefore, you cannot buy lansoprazole over the counter at a pharmacy.

What happens if I eat too soon after taking lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole should be taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes to one hour before eating. If you eat too soon after taking lansoprazole, you may not absorb the medicine properly and its effects may be reduced by 50%.

Is long term use of Lansoprazole safe?

Long term use of lansoprazole can cause unwanted side effects. Taking the medicine for more than three months can cause the levels of magnesium in your blood to drop. This can make you feel tired, dizzy, confused and shaky. Taking lansoprazole for one year or more can lead to an increased risk of fractured bones, vitamin B12 deficiency and gut infections. You should have regular checks with your doctor if you are taking lansoprazole over a long period of time.