What is Lansoprazole: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Lansoprazole is a medication that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. It belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which work by blocking the tiny pumps in your stomach lining that create acid.

This medication can help heal damage caused by too much stomach acid and prevent it from coming back. Many people find relief from heartburn, ulcers, and other acid-related problems when they take lansoprazole as directed by their doctor.

What is Lansoprazole Used For?

Lansoprazole treats several conditions caused by excess stomach acid. Your doctor might prescribe it when your stomach produces too much acid or when that acid damages your digestive system.

The most common reasons doctors prescribe lansoprazole include treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid backs up into your throat. It also helps heal peptic ulcers, which are painful sores in your stomach or upper small intestine.

Here are the main conditions lansoprazole can help with:

• Heartburn and acid reflux that happens more than twice a week
• Stomach ulcers caused by bacteria called H. pylori or certain pain medications
• Ulcers in the upper part of your small intestine (duodenal ulcers)
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare condition where your stomach makes too much acid
• Erosive esophagitis, where stomach acid damages your esophagus

Your doctor will determine which condition you have and whether lansoprazole is the right treatment for you. The medication works well for most people with these acid-related problems.

How Does Lansoprazole Work?

Lansoprazole works by blocking specific pumps in your stomach that produce acid. These pumps, called proton pumps, are like tiny factories that create the acid your stomach needs for digestion.

When you take lansoprazole, it travels to these pumps and essentially turns them off for a while. This means your stomach produces much less acid than usual, giving damaged areas time to heal.

The medication is quite strong and effective at reducing acid production. Once you take it, the effects can last for about 24 hours, which is why most people only need to take it once daily.

It typically takes one to four days for lansoprazole to reach its full effect. During this time, you might still experience some symptoms as your stomach adjusts to producing less acid.

How Should I Take Lansoprazole?

Take lansoprazole exactly as your doctor prescribes it, usually once daily before eating. The best time is typically 30 minutes before your first meal of the day, often breakfast.

You should swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Don't crush, chew, or open the capsule because this can affect how well the medication works in your body.

If you have trouble swallowing capsules, you can open them and sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow this mixture right away without chewing, then drink some water to make sure you get all the medication.

Taking lansoprazole with food can reduce its effectiveness, so try to take it on an empty stomach when possible. However, if you experience stomach upset, a small snack might help.

Try to take your dose at the same time each day to help you remember and maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body.

How Long Should I Take Lansoprazole For?

The length of treatment with lansoprazole depends on your specific condition and how well you respond to the medication. Your doctor will determine the right duration for your situation.

For most people with GERD or heartburn, treatment typically lasts 4 to 8 weeks initially. If your symptoms improve, your doctor might recommend a lower dose for maintenance or suggest stopping the medication gradually.

Stomach ulcers usually require 4 to 8 weeks of treatment to heal completely. If your ulcer was caused by H. pylori bacteria, you'll likely take lansoprazole along with antibiotics for about 10 to 14 days.

Some people with chronic conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may need to take lansoprazole for much longer periods. Your doctor will monitor you regularly to ensure the medication continues to work safely.

Never stop taking lansoprazole suddenly without talking to your doctor first. Stopping too quickly can cause your symptoms to return or worsen.

What Are the Side Effects of Lansoprazole?

Most people tolerate lansoprazole well, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The good news is that serious side effects are uncommon, and many people experience no problems at all.

Common side effects are usually mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. These typically don't require medical attention unless they become bothersome or persistent.

Here are the most common side effects you might experience:

• Headache, which usually improves within a few days
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Nausea or feeling queasy
• Constipation
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded

These side effects are generally temporary and manageable. However, you should contact your doctor if they persist or interfere with your daily activities.

Some people may experience less common but more concerning side effects that require medical attention. While these are rare, it's important to be aware of them.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Severe stomach pain that doesn't go away
• Persistent diarrhea with blood or mucus
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Muscle cramps or spasms
• Irregular heartbeat
• Signs of low magnesium like muscle twitches or seizures

Very rarely, lansoprazole can cause serious allergic reactions. Seek immediate medical help if you develop difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or severe skin reactions.

Who Should Not Take Lansoprazole?

While lansoprazole is safe for most people, certain individuals should avoid it or use it with extra caution. Your doctor will review your medical history to determine if it's appropriate for you.

You should not take lansoprazole if you're allergic to it or other proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or pantoprazole. Tell your doctor about any previous reactions to these medications.

People with severe liver disease may need dose adjustments or closer monitoring while taking lansoprazole. Your liver processes this medication, so liver problems can affect how well your body handles it.

If you have low levels of magnesium in your blood, your doctor may want to correct this before starting lansoprazole. Long-term use can sometimes lower magnesium levels further.

Pregnant women should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor, as lansoprazole may pass to the developing baby. The medication can also pass into breast milk, so nursing mothers need medical guidance.

People taking certain medications like warfarin (a blood thinner) or clopidogrel (used to prevent blood clots) may need dose adjustments or extra monitoring when using lansoprazole.

Lansoprazole Brand Names

Lansoprazole is available under several brand names, with Prevacid being the most well-known. This brand name version contains the same active ingredient as generic lansoprazole.

Other brand names include Prevacid SoluTab, which dissolves on your tongue, and Prevacid 24HR, which is available over-the-counter for heartburn treatment. Your pharmacist can help you understand the differences between these formulations.

Generic lansoprazole works just as well as brand-name versions but typically costs less. Your insurance may prefer the generic version, which can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Whether you use brand name or generic, the important thing is taking the medication consistently as prescribed by your doctor. Both versions contain the same active ingredient and provide similar benefits.

Lansoprazole Alternatives

If lansoprazole doesn't work well for you or causes bothersome side effects, your doctor has several other options to consider. Many alternatives work similarly but might suit your body better.

Other proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium). These medications work in a similar way but have slightly different chemical structures that some people tolerate better.

H2 blockers like ranitidine (Zantac) or famotidine (Pepcid) are another option that reduces stomach acid but works differently than lansoprazole. They're often used for milder symptoms or as maintenance therapy.

For some people, antacids like calcium carbonate (Tums) or magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) provide quick relief for occasional heartburn. However, these don't heal ulcers or treat chronic conditions like GERD.

Your doctor might also recommend lifestyle changes alongside or instead of medication, such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, or elevating your head while sleeping.

Is Lansoprazole Better Than Omeprazole?

Both lansoprazole and omeprazole are effective proton pump inhibitors that work similarly to reduce stomach acid. Neither is definitively better than the other for most people.

The main differences lie in how quickly they start working and how long they stay in your system. Lansoprazole may start working slightly faster, while omeprazole might last a bit longer in some people.

Some people respond better to one medication than the other due to individual differences in how their bodies process these drugs. Your doctor might try one first and switch to the other if needed.

Cost can also be a factor in choosing between them. Generic versions of both medications are available, but prices may vary depending on your insurance coverage and pharmacy.

The best choice for you depends on your specific symptoms, medical history, other medications you take, and how well you respond to treatment. Your doctor can help you determine which option works best for your situation.