Reviewed by Virginia Chachati MPharm
(2013, University College London)
GPhC Registration number: 2087654
Information last reviewed 28/02/21
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.
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.
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.
Dose |
Usually one capsule once per day, or one capsule twice per day |
Type of medicine |
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) |
Mechanism |
Prevents the production of acids by blocking the final step |
Available Size |
28 or 56 capsules |
Available Strengths |
15mg or 30mg |
Active Ingredient |
Lansoprazole |
Price |
From 60p per capsule |
Side Effects |
Can include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, tiredness |
Lansoprazole is the active ingredient in lansoprazole capsules.
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
For acid reflux, the usual dose of lansoprazole is 15 mg or 30 mg per day. Your prescribed dose will depend on your symptoms.
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.
Common side effects of lansoprazole include:
Less common side effects of lansoprazole include:
Signs of an allergic reaction to lansoprazole include:
If this happens, seek immediate emergency medical attention.
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.
Lansoprazole may not be suitable if:
Inform your doctor if any of these circumstances apply to you.
There are certain medicines that can interact with lansoprazole and increase your likelihood of experiencing side effects. These are:
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 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 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.
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.
Omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole and esomeprazole are also proton pump inhibitors and suitable alternatives to lansoprazole.
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.
Lansoprazole is only available on prescription. Therefore, you cannot buy lansoprazole over the counter at a pharmacy.
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%.
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.
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