Lansoprazole is a proton pump drug inhibitor. It acts by reducing the amount of acids produced in the stomach.

 

What is Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole may be prescribed by your doctor in case of gastroesophageal reflux, in order to reduce symptoms, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage.

It can also be prescribed to treat ulcers, prevent them from returning, and reduce the risk of those who are undergoing therapy for Helicobacter pylori. It may ultimately be useful for conditions associated with excessive production of stomach acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Lansoprazole may also be taken without a prescription to treat frequent heartburn (which occurs at least 2 days a week).

 

How should Lansoprazole be taken?

Lansoprazole can be taken in the form of capsules or delayed-release tablets dissolved in the mouth. If gastroesophageal reflux occurs, lansoprazole should be taken once a day before meals. However, when it is used in combination with other medications such as to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, it should be taken 2 or 3 times a day for 10-14 days.

To prevent heartburn, it should be taken in the morning, before breakfast and for 14 consecutive days.  The treatment can be repeated every 4 months.

The content of capsules and tablets can also be administered through a nasogastric tube.

 

Side effects associated with Lansoprazole

For individuals over the age of 50, lansoprazole increases the risk of serious diarrhea, bacterial infection, and fractures of the wrist, hip or spine.

 

Possible side effects of the active ingredient include the following:

  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Nausea

 

It is important to contact a doctor immediately if lansoprazole triggers:

  • Irregular heartbeat, fast or heavy
  • Dizziness
  • Convulsions
  • Difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Strong diarrhea with watery stools
  • Swelling of eyes, face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
  • Stomach ache
  • Urticaria
  • Rash
  • Hoarseness
  • Feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Muscle spasms
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Uncontrollable tremors
  • Blistering or peeling of the skin

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Lansoprazole

In case of ongoing therapy with Sucralfate, it is necessary to take the medication at least 30 minutes after taking lansoprazole. Lansoprazole should not be used to treat sudden heartburn.

 

Before taking lansoprazole, you must inform your doctor: 

  • If you have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or other drugs
  • If you are taking any medicinal products, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular antibiotics, anticoagulants, atazanavir, digoxin, diuretics, iron supplements, ketoconazole, methotrexate, tacrolimus, and theophylline
  • If you suffer (or have suffered) from magnesium deficiency or liver disease
  • If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
  • If you suffer from phenylketonuria

 

You must also inform your doctor if in the previous 3 months you have suffered from:

  • Feeling light-headed, sweating or dizziness associated with heartburn
  • Chest pain or back pain
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Extensive pain in arms, neck or shoulders
  • Unjustified weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting , especially with blood
  • Stomach ache
  • Difficult or painful swallowing
  • Black stools or blood in the stool