Lansoprazole

What is Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is used to treat acid reflux, reducing excess acid 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 which stops them from releasing so much acid in order to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. 

How long does it take for Lansoprazole to work?

Lansoprazole will usually start to work after 2-3 days but it can take a month for the drug to take full effect so you may still experience ingestion or acid reflux for the first four weeks. 

Active ingredient

Lansoprazole is the active ingredient. 

Inactive ingredients

The other ingredients contained in the medicine are Sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch), Sodium laurilsulphate, 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.

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 tablets per day then the second one should be taken in the evening, again 30 minutes to one hour before food. 

Lansoprazole dosage

The usual dose to treat indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux is 15-30mg per day. Your prescribed dose will depend on your symptoms and condition.

Lansoprazole side effects

Common side effects include: 

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

Less common side effects include: 

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

Signs of an allergic reaction include: 

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

If this happens, seek immediate medical attention. 

Contraindications

Lansoprazole may not be suitable if: 

• You have previously experienced an allergic reaction to Lansoprazole or other 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 medications which can react 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 that the combination will not cause harm or make your treatment less effective.   

How to cope with Lansoprazole side effects

Headaches will usually disappear after the first week but stay hydrated and take a painkiller if you do experience them. Avoid rich or spicy foods if you feel sick or get an upset stomach. Eating smaller meals and holding a hot water bottle against your stomach can help if you experience discomfort. Avoiding foods like onions, beans, peas and lentils can help to ease wind; fiber rich foods and exercise helping constipation. 

Can I take Lansoprazole with over the counter antacids?

Over the counter antacids such as Gaviscon can be used alongside Lansoprazole but always leave 2 hours between taking each one. 

Can I take Lansoprazole and Paracetamol or Ibuprofen?

Lansoprazole is safe to take alongside painkillers like Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. 

Lansoprazole and alcohol

You can drink alcohol while taking Lansoprazole but alcohol can aggravate the acid levels in the stomach so you may want to avoid it if it makes your symptoms worse. 

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. 

Lansoprazole vs Omeprazole

Lansoprazole and Omeprazole work in similar ways. Studies have shown that there are no major differences between the two drugs but Lansoprazole does work faster in reducing symptoms. Omeprazole is safe for pregnant women while Lansoprazole is not. 

Alternatives to Lansoprazole

Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Rapeprazol and Esomeprazole are other proton pump inhibitors and  good alternatives to Lansoprazole. 

Is Lansoprazole available over the counter?

Lansoprazole is only available on prescription. 

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 take too soon either before or after eating then this can reduce the effects of it by 50%, stopping it from being absorbed.  

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 is characterised by feeling 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. Your doctor may regularly assess your symptoms if you are taking Lansoprazole over a long period of time. 

Is Lansoprazole addictive?

Lansoprazole is not addictive but if you have been taking it for a long time then your body can become dependant on it. This means you shouldn't stop taking it suddenly, rather consult your doctor so that they can gradually reduce your dose. 

Where is Lansoprazole absorbed?

Lansoprazole is absorbed in the stomach by the gastric parietal cell.

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• NHS > Lansoprazole
• BNF > Lansoprazole
• EMS1 > Lansoprazole
• Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology > Comparison of the effect of lansoprazole and omeprazole...