Lansoprazole

Introduction To Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole is a medicine that reduces the amount of acid produced in your stomach. It is used for treating acid-related diseases of the stomach and intestine such as acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, and some other stomach conditions associated with excessive acid production.

Lansoprazole is also used to prevent stomach ulcers and acidity that may be seen with the prolonged use of painkillers. It belongs to a class of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This medicine should be taken one hour before a meal, preferably in the morning. The dose will depend on your underlying condition and how you respond to the medicine. You should keep on taking it as prescribed even if your symptoms disappear quickly. You can increase the efficiency of the treatment by eating smaller meals more often and avoiding caffeinated drinks (like tea and coffee), and spicy or fatty foods.

The most common side effects observed with this medicine include nausea, headache, flatulence, and diarrhea. These symptoms are generally mild but if they bother you or do not go away, consult your doctor. Long-term use of this medicine may lead to an increased risk of side effects. For instance, using this medicine for more than 1 year may increase your risk for bone fractures, especially with higher doses. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis), like taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Before taking this medicine, you need to tell your doctor if you have severe liver problems, are taking medicines for HIV, have ever had an allergic reaction to similar medicines in the past, or suffer from bone loss (osteoporosis). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it.

Uses of Lansoprazole

  • Treatment of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Acid reflux)
  • Treatment of Peptic ulcer disease

Benefits of Lansoprazole

Treatment of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Acid reflux)
GERD is a chronic (long-term) condition that is like having heartburn consistently rather than just occasionally. It happens because a muscle above your stomach relaxes too much and allows stomach contents to come back up into your esophagus and mouth. Lansoprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors. It reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes and relieves the pain associated with heartburn and acid reflux. You should take it exactly as it is prescribed for it to be effective.

Some simple lifestyle changes can help reduce the symptoms of GERD. Think about what foods trigger heartburn and try to avoid them; eat smaller more frequent meals; try to lose weight if you are overweight and try to find ways to relax. Do not eat within 3-4 hours of going to bed.

Treatment of Peptic ulcer disease
Lansoprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors. It reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes, preventing further damage to the ulcer as it heals naturally. You may be given other medicines along with this medicine depending on what caused the ulcer. You need to keep taking the medicine as it is prescribed for it to be effective, even if the symptoms seem to disappear.

Side effects of Lansoprazole

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of M Lanz

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Flatulence
  • Diarrhea

How to use Lansoprazole

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Lansoprazole is to be taken empty stomach.

How Lansoprazole works

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach which helps in relief of acid related indigestion and heartburn.

Quick tips

  • It is a well-tolerated medicine and provides relief for a long time.

  • Lansoprazole should be taken 1 hour before a meal, preferably in the morning.

  • Some healthy tips to prevent acidity from happening:

    • Avoid excessive intake of carbonated beverages/soft drinks, citrus juices, fried food, caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee.
    • Avoid alcohol and smoking.
    • Avoid eating late at night or before bedtime.
  • Inform your doctor if you get watery diarrhea, fever or stomach pain that does not go away.

  • Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after taking it for 14 days as you may be suffering from some other problem that needs attention.

  • Long-term use of Lansoprazole can cause weak bones and a deficiency of minerals such as magnesium. Take adequate dietary intake of calcium and magnesium or their supplements as prescribed by your doctor.

  • Consult your doctor right away if you develop decreased urination, edema (swelling due to fluid retention), lower back pain, nausea, fatigue, and rash or fever. These could be signs of a kidney problem.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Lansoprazole if I’m pregnant?

Lansoprazole is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

sdsBreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Lansoprazole if I’m breastfeeding?

Lansoprazole is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

sdsAlcoholCAUTION

Is drinking alcohol while taking Lansoprazole safe?

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Lansoprazole. Please consult your doctor.

sdsDrivingUNSAFE

Can I drive after taking Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

sdsKidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Lansoprazole if I have/had kidney diseases?

Lansoprazole is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Lansoprazole is recommended.

sdsLiverCAUTION

Can I take Lansoprazole if I have/had liver diseases?

Lansoprazole should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Lansoprazole may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Lansoprazole?

What is it used for? Lansoprazole belongs to a class of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors. Lansoprazole is used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease (gastric and duodenal ulcers), reflux esophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is also used to treat a disease associated with excessive acid production in the stomach known as Zollinger Ellison syndrome (ZES). It works by reducing the amount of acid made by your stomach.

Q. How is Lansoprazole given through the nasogastric tube?

Your doctor or nurse will show you the correct way of giving Lansoprazole through the nasogastric (NG) tube. Open the Lansoprazole capsule and empty the granules into a syringe. Mix the contents with apple juice in the syringe and attach it to the NG tube and give directly into the stomach. Once given, flush the NG tube with more apple juice to clear the tube.

Q. Should Lansoprazole be taken empty stomach or with food?

Usually, Lansoprazole is taken once a day, first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. If you take Lansoprazole twice a day, take 1 dose in the morning and 1 dose in the evening. The tablets should be swallowed whole (remember not be chewed or crushed) and taken at least 1 hour before a meal with some water.

Q. While taking Lansoprazole, which foods should be avoided?

You should preferably avoid foods that cause acidity and heartburn as they will only worsen your condition, for example: fried or spicy food, butter, oil, and juices, caffeinated drinks like cola or tea, drinks from citrus fruits like lemon water or orange juice and alcohol.

Q. Is Lansoprazole used for children?

Yes, Lansoprazole is used in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive gastritis in children. However, the safety and effectiveness of Lansoprazole are established only in children between 1 to 17 years of age.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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