Lansoprazole

Duodenal Ulcer, Gastroesophageal Reflux ... show more

DRUG STATUS

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Approvals

US(FDA), UK(BNF)

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Essential Medicine

NO

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Teratogenicity

Unlisted

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Pharmaceutical Class

Proton Pump Inhibitor

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Drug Ingredient

Lansoprazole

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Summary

  • Lansoprazole is used to treat conditions such as heartburn, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is also used to prevent ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.

  • Lansoprazole belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It works by blocking an enzyme in the stomach that produces acid, thus reducing the amount of stomach acid.

  • The usual starting dose is 60 mg once daily, which can be adjusted by your doctor up to 90 mg twice daily. It should be taken before meals. The capsules should be swallowed whole, not broken or chewed.

  • Common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, or constipation. In some cases, it can cause serious side effects like shaking, seizures, dizziness, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and severe skin reactions.

  • Long-term use of Lansoprazole may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and increase the risk of growths in the stomach. It may also interact with other medications like antiretroviral drugs, warfarin, and methotrexate. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using Lansoprazole.

Indications and Purpose

What is Lansoprazole used for?

Lansoprazole capsules are used to treat stomach and esophagus problems, such as ulcers, acid reflux, and heartburn. They can also help prevent ulcers from coming back. They work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

How does Lansoprazole work?

Lansoprazole is a medication that reduces stomach acid. It belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs block an enzyme in the stomach that helps make acid. By blocking this enzyme, lansoprazole decreases the amount of stomach acid produced. Lansoprazole is used to treat conditions such as heartburn, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Is Lansoprazole effective?

Lansoprazole is a medication used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. It works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. In studies, lansoprazole has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of ulcers coming back. A combination of lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin was found to be more effective than any combination of two of these medications. Lansoprazole combined with amoxicillin was more effective than either medication alone. In another study, a 10-day course of lansoprazole triple therapy was found to be as effective as a 14-day course in eradicating ulcers. However, lansoprazole was not found to be effective in treating infants with acid reflux.

How does one know if Lansoprazole is working?

Measuring the effects of Lansoprazole involves checking two key factors: 1. **Mean Gastric pH:** This measures the average acidity level in the stomach. A higher pH means a less acidic environment, which is beneficial for reducing stomach discomfort. 2. **Percentage of Time Gastric pH is Greater Than 3 and 4:** This indicates how often the stomach pH is above certain thresholds. A pH greater than 3 or 4 means the stomach is less acidic, which helps protect the stomach lining and reduce symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.

Directions for Use

How do I take Lansoprazole?

Take the medicine before you eat. Swallow the capsules whole, do not break or chew them.

For how long do I take Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole treatment lasts different lengths of time depending on what's being treated. For ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (the first part of your small intestine), treatment might be as short as a couple of weeks or as long as eight weeks. If you're taking medicine to prevent ulcers from coming back, you'll likely take it for a shorter time. For heartburn (GERD), treatment is usually up to eight weeks. Severe cases of heartburn or a rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may need much longer treatment, even years.

How long does it take for Lansoprazole to start working?

Lansoprazole reduces stomach acid within 1 to 3 hours. Heartburn relief may take 1 to 2 days, while ulcers can take weeks to heal. For best results, take it 30–60 minutes before a meal.

How should I store Lansoprazole?

Keep lansoprazole tablets at room temperature between 68° to 77°F (20° to 25°C). Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Warnings and Precautions

Who should avoid taking Lansoprazole?

Take lansoprazole exactly as prescribed. It may help your acid-related symptoms, but you could still have serious stomach problems. Possible side effects include: * Kidney problems * Diarrhea caused by an infection * Growths in your stomach * Bone fractures * Lupus

Can I take Lansoprazole with other prescription drugs?

Lansoprazole can interact with other medications, including: * Antiretroviral drugs (e.g., rilpivirine, atazanavir): Lansoprazole may decrease the effectiveness of these drugs or increase their toxicity. * Warfarin: Lansoprazole may increase the risk of bleeding by interacting with warfarin. * Methotrexate: Lansoprazole may increase the levels of methotrexate in the body, which can lead to side effects. * Digoxin: Lansoprazole may increase the levels of digoxin in the body. * Other drugs: Lansoprazole may affect the absorption of other drugs by reducing stomach acid.

Can I take Lansoprazole with vitamins or supplements?

Taking certain heartburn medications (PPIs) with a high dose of the cancer drug methotrexate can increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity. Additionally, taking acid-suppressing medications for an extended period (over three years) can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency due to reduced stomach acid.

Can Lansoprazole be taken safely while pregnant?

In animal studies, taking lansoprazole during pregnancy may affect the growth and development of the baby. However, in a large study of pregnant women taking PPIs (including lansoprazole), no significant increase in birth defects or miscarriages was found. However, the risk of birth defects and miscarriages in general is still present, even without taking PPIs. If lansoprazole is taken with clarithromycin, the pregnancy information for clarithromycin should also be considered. Consult a healthcare professional for more information on using lansoprazole during pregnancy.

Can Lansoprazole be taken safely while breastfeeding?

It's not clear if this medicine gets into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take this medicine.

Is Lansoprazole safe for the elderly?

In studies of the medicine lansoprazole, about one in six people were age 65 or older. These older patients seemed to do just as well and had the same safety profile as younger patients. However, doctors can't say for sure that some older adults might not be more sensitive to the medicine than others.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Lansoprazole?

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Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Lansoprazole?

While moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to cause harm, it may increase stomach irritation or affect the medication's effectiveness, so it’s best to drink in moderation.