Lansoprazole is used to treat conditions caused by excessive acidity in your stomach, such as ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (upper portion of the small intestine), reflux disease (also known as "heartburn", a burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth) and hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (tumour growth in the pancreas or the upper part of small intestine which causes the secretion of too much stomach acid).
This medicine can also be used in the treatment or prevention of stomach ulcers associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation).
Lansoprazole treats these conditions by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes.
This medicine may also be used together with other medicines to treat a specific type of gastric problem caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
Lansoprazole may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Lansoprazole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Lansoprazole is available as a gastro-resistant capsule, delayed-release capsule, and an orally disintegrating (orodispersible) tablet.
If you are taking the gastro-resistant capsule or delayed-release type of capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsule.
If you have difficulty in swallowing capsules, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the intact granules on 1 tablespoon of applesauce, cottage cheese, yoghurt, or strained pears. You may also mix the intact granules with about 60 mL of orange, apple or tomato juice. Swallow the mixture immediately.
If you are taking the orodispersible tablet, place it directly on your tongue as soon as the orodispersible tablet is taken out of the foil. Allow it to disintegrate until the particles can be swallowed with or without water. Do not cut, break or crush the orodispersible tablets. Alternatively, the orodispersible tablet can be administered via oral syringe or nasogastric tube in individuals who have trouble swallowing. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist on how to take the orodispersible tablet using an oral syringe or nasogastric tube.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Lansoprazole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Lansoprazole with rilpivirine and atazanavir (medicines for HIV infection).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
- moderate to severe liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Lansoprazole to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. test to detect neuroendocrine tumours, urine drug screening test), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Some genetic traits can affect Lansoprazole’s efficacy. Individuals who are ultrarapid and rapid metabolisers of CYP2C19 may respond poorer to this medicine and may require dose adjustment. Individuals who are poor CYP2C19 metabolisers may experience enhanced effects of Lansoprazole. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
For as long as you are taking Lansoprazole, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. magnesium and calcium level, complete blood count, liver and renal function) to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Lansoprazole may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or visual disturbances. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dizziness with sensations of spinning, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation, stomach wind, dry mouth or throat, tiredness, and joint or muscle pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- severe diarrhoea, watery or bloody stools, severe stomach pain or cramps
- muscle spasms, weakness, fits or seizures, irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- blood in urine, decreased amount of urine passed
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Lansoprazole with rilpivirine and atazanavir (medicines for HIV infection).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, clopidogrel
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- medicines for cancer e.g. erlotinib, methotrexate
- tacrolimus (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- theophylline (asthma medicine)
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
- sucralfate (other medicine for ulcer)
- fluvoxamine (medicine to treat depression)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
- St John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Lansoprazole.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Do not eat raw food or food that is not cooked thoroughly, such as sushi and soft-boiled eggs. Meat should be cooked until well-done. Do not take unpasteurised whole milk, cheese or fruit juices. Spicy food and carbonated "fizzy" drinks like soft drinks should also be avoided.
Eat small but frequent meals as large single meals may increase the pressure in your stomach leading to reflux.
You should try to avoid lying down soon after eating as this may worsen reflux symptoms.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet with your doctor or dietitian as a change in diet may help improve your symptoms.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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