Lansoprazole
About
Lansoprazole belongs to a group of antiulcer medicines called 'proton pump inhibitors' used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers, inflammation of food pipe (oesophagus), gastro-oesophagal reflux disease - GERD (reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus), heartburn, regurgitation, ulcers caused by the usage of pain killers, infections caused by Helicobacter pylori when given along with an antibiotic, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Lansoprazole contains 'Lansoprazole' that works by blocking the action of an enzyme known as the gastric proton pump responsible for the production of acid. This helps in reducing the amount of acid produced, heals the ulcers and prevents the formation of new ulcers.
In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence (wind), dry mouth, skin rash, itching, and tiredness. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, or if you are due to have Chromogranin A blood test. Lansoprazole may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Lansoprazole as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate the production of stomach acid. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Lansoprazole
Medicinal Benefits
Lansoprazole belongs to a group of antiulcer medicines called proton pump inhibitors. Lansoprazole is used to treat intestinal and stomach ulcers, inflammation of food pipe, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus), heartburn, regurgitation, ulcers caused by the usage of NSAIDs, infections caused by Helicobacter pylori when given along with an antibiotic, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Lansoprazole works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as gastric proton pump that is responsible for the production of acid. This helps in reducing the amount of acid produced, heals the ulcers and prevents the formation of new ulcers.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lansoprazole
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence (gas)
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Lansoprazole if you are allergic to any of its contents, or if you are taking atazanavir (used to treat HIV), anticancer medications (methotrexate) and blood thinner (warfarin). Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, or if you are due to have Chromogranin A blood test. Lansoprazole may cause low magnesium levels, vitamin B12 levels, and increase the risk of bone fractures if taken for a longer duration; the doctor may advise regular tests for monitoring your condition. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lansoprazole may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Prolonged intake of Lansoprazole is linked with a greater risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, so if you develop diarrhoea that does not improve, immediately consult a doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Lansoprazole may interact with blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel), asthma medications (theophylline), pain killers (aspirin), drugs used to treat neurological disease ADHD (amphetamine), anti-depressant (citalopram, duloxetine, fluvoxamine), cardiac glycoside (digoxin), a drug used to treat hypothyroidism (levothyroxine), immune system affecting medicines (tacrolimus), cholesterol-lowering agent (atorvastatin), supplements (iron, cyanocobalamin or vitamin B 12).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, liver disease, bone fractures, hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium), osteoporosis (brittle bones), or lupus disease (an autoimmune disease).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Lansoprazole. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether Lansoprazole can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionLansoprazole may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIt is safe to use Lansoprazole in patients with kidney disease if prescribed by the doctor.
Children
cautionPlease consult your doctor. Your doctor may decide the dose and duration based on your child's condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- Avoid lying down after eating.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- Practise relaxation techniques and avoid stress by doing yoga or meditation.
- Avoid foods such as high-fat food, spicy food, chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, onion, garlic, tea and soda.
- Avoid sitting continuously as it may trigger acidity. Take a break of 5 minutes every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acidity: The stomach is usually protected from acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets eroded, which leads to complications like acidity, GERD, peptic ulcer, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): It is a condition that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn.
Peptic ulcer: A peptic ulcer is a painful condition followed by the development of sores or ulcers in the duodenum or stomach lining (the first part of the small intestine, i.e. duodenum).
Zollinger Ellison syndrome: It is a rare condition in which a gastrin-secreting tumour of the pancreas causes excessive acid production leading to peptic ulcers.
FAQs
Lansoprazole works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as gastric proton pump that is responsible for the production of acid. This helps reduce the amount of acid produced, heals the ulcers and prevents the formation of new ulcers.
Lansoprazole may cause dizziness. So, drive only if you are alert and omit driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy.
Talk to your doctor if you do not feel better even after taking Lansoprazole for 14 days. Do not take Lansoprazole for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. If Lansoprazole is prescribed for longer durations, a regular check-up is advised.
Do not discontinue Lansoprazole without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Lansoprazole for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Lansoprazole.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Lansoprazole. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Lansoprazole. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help stimulate saliva and thereby prevent drying of the mouth.
Avoid lying down immediately after meals. Raise the head of the bed 10-20 cm by putting a pillow so that the head and chest are above the waist. This prevents acid reflux (backflow of stomach acid to the food pipe).
