What is Lansoprazole and What is It Used For?
Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It is prescribed to treat acid reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GORD), heartburn, indigestion and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid.
How Does Lansoprazole Work?
Lansoprazole belongs to a class of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Proton pumps are enzymes found in the lining of the stomach that are responsible for producing stomach acid. Lansoprazole works by blocking these proton pumps, which reduces the volume of acid the stomach produces. As a result, due to lower levels of stomach acid, symptoms such as heartburn, burning pain behind the breastbone and acid regurgitation are alleviated, and any inflammation or damage to the oesophagus is given the opportunity to heal.
What is the Difference Between Lansoprazole Capsules and Orodispersible Tablets?
Lansoprazole gastro-resistant capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be crushed or chewed.
Lansoprazole orodispersible tablets dissolve on the tongue and can be swallowed with or without water, making them a suitable option for patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules.
Both forms contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way.
How Should I Take Lansoprazole?
Lansoprazole should be taken once daily, ideally in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break the capsules, as the gastro-resistant coating is designed to protect the active ingredient from being broken down by stomach acid before it can take effect.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed one.
What is the Usual Lansoprazole Dosage?
The usual dosage for acid reflux and heartburn is lansoprazole 15mg taken once a day for four weeks. Treatment may be extended for a further four weeks if symptoms have not fully resolved.
Can I Take Lansoprazole After Food?
Lansoprazole works best when taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal. Taking it after food may reduce its absorption and make it less effective, as food slows the absorption and reduces bioavailability of the treatment.
Recommended reading: Foods to Avoid if You Suffer From Acid Reflux
Can I Take Lansoprazole at Night?
Lansoprazole is usually taken in the morning before breakfast. However, if your symptoms are predominantly nocturnal, your prescriber may advise taking a dose in the evening before your last meal of the day. Always follow the instructions provided by your prescriber.
How Long Does Lansoprazole Take to Work?
Most patients begin to notice an improvement in their symptoms within two to three days of starting their lansoprazole treatment course. However, it may take up to four weeks for the medication to reach its full effect, particularly if the oesophagus requires time to heal. If symptoms do not improve after two weeks, consult your prescriber.
How Long Does Lansoprazole Stay in Your System?
Lansoprazole has a relatively short half-life of approximately one to two hours, meaning the medication itself is eliminated from the body within a few hours. However, as it blocks the proton pumps, its acid-suppressing effect lasts considerably longer than the drug remains in the bloodstream. It generally takes two to three days for stomach acid production to return to normal levels after stopping lansoprazole.
What are the Side Effects of Lansoprazole?
Like all medicines, lansoprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation, flatulence and dizziness. These are usually mild and tend to resolve as your body adjusts to the medication.
Uncommon side effects may include dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, joint pain, skin rashes, itching, fatigue and changes in liver function tests. Rare but serious side effects include severe allergic reactions (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing), severe skin reactions and a condition known as subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), which may cause joint pain and a red skin rash on areas exposed to sunlight. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking lansoprazole and seek medical attention immediately.
Does Lansoprazole Cause Weight Gain?
Weight gain is not a commonly reported side effect of lansoprazole. However, by reducing acid reflux symptoms, some patients may find they are able to eat more comfortably, which can contribute to increased calorie intake and lead to weight gain.
Can Lansoprazole Cause Constipation or Bloating?
Constipation and bloating are recognised side effects of lansoprazole. Increasing fibre intake and staying well hydrated may help to alleviate these symptoms. If you experience persistent digestive discomfort while taking lansoprazole, consult your prescriber.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Lansoprazole?
Some patients experience a temporary increase in acid reflux symptoms after stopping lansoprazole. This is known as rebound acid hypersecretion and occurs because the stomach may temporarily produce more acid than usual once the PPI treatment is discontinued. This effect is generally short-lived and tends to alleviate within a few weeks.
Can I Take Gaviscon with Lansoprazole?
Gaviscon can be used alongside lansoprazole for additional short-term symptom relief. However, it is advisable to allow at least two hours between taking lansoprazole and taking Gaviscon or any other antacid, as antacids may interfere with the absorption of lansoprazole.
Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Lansoprazole?
There is no specific interaction between lansoprazole and alcohol. However, alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and increase acid production, which may worsen the symptoms that lansoprazole is intended to treat. Reducing alcohol intake while taking lansoprazole may help to improve your symptoms more quickly.
How Does Lansoprazole Compare to Omeprazole?
Lansoprazole and Omeprazole are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and work similarly by reducing stomach acid production. They are generally considered to be equally suitable for treating acid reflux and heartburn. The main differences are in their chemical structure, dosing and how they are metabolised by the liver. Some patients may respond better to one PPI than the other. If one treatment does not adequately control your symptoms, your prescriber may suggest switching to an alternative PPI such as Omeprazole, Pantoprazole or Esomeprazole.
Can You Buy Lansoprazole Over the Counter?
Lansoprazole is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK and cannot be purchased over the counter at pharmacies or supermarkets. However, you can purchase Lansoprazole through an online pharmacy such as Pharmica by completing an online consultation.
Is Lansoprazole Safe for Long-term Use?
Lansoprazole may be used long-term under medical supervision, but the general recommendation from the NHS is to use the lowest dose for the shortest time necessary. Long-term use may be associated with an increased risk of certain side effects, including low magnesium levels, bone fractures, gut infections and vitamin B12 deficiency. If you require ongoing treatment, your prescriber should carry out regular reviews to assess whether continued use is appropriate.