Lansoprazole is a medication that helps reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach, which can irritate the stomach lining. It is used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and Barrett’s ulcer.
This medication is available in most pharmacies as 15 mg or 30 mg capsules, sold under brand names such as Prevacid or as a generic labeled “lansoprazole.” It should always be used under medical guidance.
Lansoprazole may also be combined with two antibiotics, clarithromycin and amoxicillin, for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection and peptic ulcers. This combination therapy is available only by prescription.
Indications for use
Lansoprazole is indicated for the treatment of reflux esophagitis, stomach or intestinal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and Barrett’s ulcer. In addition, when combined with clarithromycin and amoxicillin, lansoprazole is used to treat H. pylori infection and stomach ulcers.
This medication works by reducing stomach acid production through inhibition of the proton pump in the stomach lining. By doing so, it promotes healing of the stomach and intestines.
Lansoprazole should be taken only under the guidance of a primary care provider or gastroenterologist, and always according to the treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
Lansoprazole vs omeprazole
Lansoprazole is similar to omeprazole because both medications reduce stomach acidity in the same way. However, the dosage and effectiveness of each may vary depending on the specific condition being treated.
Because of this, both medications should only be used under medical supervision, taking into account individual needs and the illness being treated.
Dosing instructions
Lansoprazole should be taken orally on an empty stomach, about 15 to 30 minutes before breakfast. The capsules must be swallowed whole, with a full glass of water, and without opening or chewing them.
The correct dosage should always be prescribed by a healthcare provider and may vary depending on the condition being treated:
- Reflux esophagitis (including Barrett’s ulcer): The usual recommended dose is 30 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks, or as directed by a healthcare provider;
- Duodenal ulcer: The usual recommended dose is 30 mg once daily for 2 to 4 weeks, or as directed by a healthcare provider;
- Gastric ulcer: The usual recommended dose is 30 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks, or as directed by a healthcare provider;
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: The initial recommended dose is 60 mg once daily for 3 to 6 days, or as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
For maintenance treatment after healing from reflux esophagitis or ulcers, the typical recommended dose is 15 mg of lansoprazole per day, or as advised by a healthcare professional.
Side effects
The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with lansoprazole include diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, gas, heartburn, and fatigue.
Less common side effects may include loss of appetite, restlessness, anxiety, drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth or throat, general malaise, or, in rare cases, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a serious skin reaction.
Seek medical attention immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if any signs of an allergic reaction appear, such as difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or face, or the appearance of hives or rash.
Contraindications for use
Lansoprazole should not be used by children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or anyone who is allergic to lansoprazole or any of the components in its formulation.
Lansoprazole should also be avoided by people taking medications such as atazanavir, diazepam, phenytoin, or warfarin, as these may interact with lansoprazole and alter its effects.