Lansoprazole

Description

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Lansoprazole is Lansoprazole.

Inactive ingredients may include:

• Lactose monohydrate
• Magnesium stearate
• Sodium starch glycolate
• Hypromellose

Always refer to the patient information leaflet for a full list of ingredients, as they may vary by formulation or brand.

Side Effects

The following are common side effects of Lansoprazole:

• Headache
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Flatulence

Less common but serious side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing)
• An intestinal infection can cause Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, a severe type of diarrhea.
• There are liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes and dark urine.
• Bone fractures (with long-term use)
• Kidney issues, including interstitial nephritis
• Low magnesium levels can lead to muscle spasms, irregular heartbeats, or seizures.

If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Warnings

• Long-term use: Prolonged use of Lansoprazole, especially for more than a year, may increase the risk of bone fractures, kidney problems, and low magnesium levels. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your health during long-term treatment.
• Liver disease: Let your doctor know if you have liver issues so they can adjust or closely monitor your Lansoprazole dosage.
• Allergic reactions: If you have a known allergy to Lansoprazole or any of its ingredients, avoid using this medication.
• Clostridium difficile infection: Proton pump inhibitors like lansoprazole may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infection, which causes severe diarrhea. If you have persistent diarrhea, consult your healthcare provider.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Although Lansoprazole is safe to use during pregnancy, your doctor should only prescribe it when necessary. It is not known if Lansoprazole passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

How to Take

• Dosage: Typically, people take Lansoprazole once daily, before a meal. Depending on the condition under treatment, the usual dose ranges from 15 mg to 30 mg.
• Swallowing capsules: Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.
• For those who cannot swallow capsules: If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount of soft food or liquid (such as yoghurt or applesauce). Consume the mixture immediately.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
• Long-term use: If you are taking Lansoprazole for an extended period, your doctor may monitor your condition and adjust the dosage as needed.

FAQs About Lansoprazole

How long does Lansoprazole take to work?
Lansoprazole typically starts to reduce stomach acid within a few hours. However, it may take 1–4 days for full symptom relief. For ulcers, treatment may last for up to 8 weeks, depending on the severity.

Can I take Lansoprazole with other medications?
Lansoprazole may interact with other medications, including warfarin, methotrexate, and certain antifungal or antibiotic treatments. Always inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Can Lansoprazole cause weight gain?
Lansoprazole is not typically associated with weight gain. However, some patients may experience changes in appetite, which could lead to weight changes. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed one.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Lansoprazole?
Moderate alcohol consumption is not known to affect the action of Lansoprazole, but alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate symptoms. It is advisable to limit alcohol intake during treatment.

Can you use Lansoprazole for heartburn?
Yes, Lansoprazole can be used to treat frequent heartburn or GERD, reducing stomach acid and helping to heal any damage to the oesophagus caused by acid reflux.

Is Lansoprazole safe during pregnancy?
Although lansoprazole is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, you should only take it if your doctor prescribes it. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Can I immediately stop taking Lansoprazole?
Avoid stopping Lansoprazole abruptly without first consulting your doctor, as this may trigger a rebound increase in stomach acid. Your doctor may advise tapering the dose gradually.

What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
If you experience symptoms such as severe allergic reactions, unusual tiredness, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin, contact your doctor immediately.

How long can I take Lansoprazole?
The duration of treatment with Lansoprazole depends on your condition and doctor’s recommendations. For short-term issues like ulcers or heartburn, treatment may last for a few weeks. For chronic conditions like GERD, longer-term treatment may be necessary. Your doctor will tell you how long to take the medication.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Lansoprazole and consult them for advice tailored to your individual needs.