Lansoprazole
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Proton Pump Inhibitor
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Lansoprazole
Summary
Lansoprazole is used to treat conditions such as heartburn, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is also used to prevent ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.
Lansoprazole belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It works by blocking an enzyme in the stomach that produces acid, thus reducing the amount of stomach acid.
The usual starting dose is 60 mg once daily, which can be adjusted by your doctor up to 90 mg twice daily. It should be taken before meals. The capsules should be swallowed whole, not broken or chewed.
Common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, or constipation. In some cases, it can cause serious side effects like shaking, seizures, dizziness, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and severe skin reactions.
Long-term use of Lansoprazole may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and increase the risk of growths in the stomach. It may also interact with other medications like antiretroviral drugs, warfarin, and methotrexate. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using Lansoprazole.
Indications and Purpose
How does Lansoprazole work?
Lansoprazole is a medication that reduces stomach acid. It belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs block an enzyme in the stomach that helps make acid. By blocking this enzyme, lansoprazole decreases the amount of stomach acid produced. Lansoprazole is used to treat conditions such as heartburn, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Is Lansoprazole effective?
Lansoprazole is a medication used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. It works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. In studies, lansoprazole has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of ulcers coming back. A combination of lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin was found to be more effective than any combination of two of these medications. Lansoprazole combined with amoxicillin was more effective than either medication alone. In another study, a 10-day course of lansoprazole triple therapy was found to be as effective as a 14-day course in eradicating ulcers. However, lansoprazole was not found to be effective in treating infants with acid reflux.
What is Lansoprazole?
Lansoprazole is a medicine that blocks the production of stomach acid. It works by interfering with an enzyme in the stomach that produces acid. By blocking this enzyme, Lansoprazole can reduce the amount of acid produced, leading to relief from symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Lansoprazole?
Lansoprazole treatment lasts different lengths of time depending on what's being treated. For ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (the first part of your small intestine), treatment might be as short as a couple of weeks or as long as eight weeks. If you're taking medicine to prevent ulcers from coming back, you'll likely take it for a shorter time. For heartburn (GERD), treatment is usually up to eight weeks. Severe cases of heartburn or a rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may need much longer treatment, even years.
How do I dispose of Lansoprazole?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.
How do I take Lansoprazole?
Take the medicine before you eat. Swallow the capsules whole, do not break or chew them.
How long does it take for Lansoprazole to start working?
Lansoprazole reduces stomach acid within 1 to 3 hours. Heartburn relief may take 1 to 2 days, while ulcers can take weeks to heal. For best results, take it 30–60 minutes before a meal.
How should I store Lansoprazole?
Keep lansoprazole tablets at room temperature between 68° to 77°F (20° to 25°C). Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
What is the usual dose of Lansoprazole?
The usual starting dose for adults is typically 50 mg once daily. Depending on the patient's response, the dose may be adjusted by a healthcare provider. The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg per day. For secondary indications, such as heart failure, the dose may differ, and specific instructions should be followed. For children or the elderly, dose adjustments may be necessary due to differences in metabolism or sensitivity. It's crucial to follow a healthcare provider's instructions for dosing to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Lansoprazole with other prescription drugs?
Lansoprazole can interact with other medications, including: * Antiretroviral drugs (e.g., rilpivirine, atazanavir): Lansoprazole may decrease the effectiveness of these drugs or increase their toxicity. * Warfarin: Lansoprazole may increase the risk of bleeding by interacting with warfarin. * Methotrexate: Lansoprazole may increase the levels of methotrexate in the body, which can lead to side effects. * Digoxin: Lansoprazole may increase the levels of digoxin in the body. * Other drugs: Lansoprazole may affect the absorption of other drugs by reducing stomach acid.
Can Lansoprazole be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It's not clear if this medicine gets into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take this medicine.
Can Lansoprazole be taken safely while pregnant?
In animal studies, taking lansoprazole during pregnancy may affect the growth and development of the baby. However, in a large study of pregnant women taking PPIs (including lansoprazole), no significant increase in birth defects or miscarriages was found. However, the risk of birth defects and miscarriages in general is still present, even without taking PPIs. If lansoprazole is taken with clarithromycin, the pregnancy information for clarithromycin should also be considered. Consult a healthcare professional for more information on using lansoprazole during pregnancy.
Does Lansoprazole have adverse effects?
Adverse effects, which are unwanted or harmful reactions to a medicine, can occur with any medication. For this medicine, common adverse effects might include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. These effects can vary in how often they happen, but they are generally not severe. However, there are serious adverse effects that, although rare, need immediate medical attention. These might include severe allergic reactions, which can cause difficulty breathing or swelling, or signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes. It's important to report any new or worsening symptoms to a healthcare provider. Never stop taking a medicine without first consulting with a healthcare professional, as they can provide guidance on how to manage side effects safely.
Does Lansoprazole have any safety warnings?
This medicine, which is called ibuprofen, has several safety warnings. First, it can cause stomach bleeding, which is a serious condition where the lining of the stomach is damaged. This is more likely if you take it in high doses or for a long time. Symptoms to watch for include stomach pain, black or bloody stools, and vomiting blood. Another warning is that ibuprofen can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, which are conditions where blood flow to the heart or brain is blocked. This risk is higher if you have heart disease or use it long-term. Signs to monitor include chest pain, shortness of breath, and sudden weakness or numbness. Lastly, ibuprofen can cause kidney problems, which means the kidneys may not work properly. Symptoms include changes in urination, swelling in the legs, and fatigue. It's important to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible to reduce these risks.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Lansoprazole?
While moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to cause harm, it may increase stomach irritation or affect the medication's effectiveness, so it’s best to drink in moderation.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Lansoprazole?
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Is it safe to stop Lansoprazole?
To determine if it's safe to stop a medicine, first identify its purpose. If it's for managing a chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes, stopping it suddenly can lead to serious health risks, such as uncontrolled blood pressure or blood sugar levels. If the medicine is for symptomatic relief or treating an acute condition like an infection, stopping it might lead to a return of symptoms or incomplete treatment. Some medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms or rebound effects, where symptoms return worse than before. Abruptly stopping certain medicines can be life-threatening, especially those affecting the heart or brain. Always consult a doctor before stopping any medicine to ensure it's done safely and appropriately.
Is Lansoprazole addictive?
To determine if a medicine is addictive, we first need to know if it has habit-forming potential. If it does, this means the body can become dependent on it, which means needing more of the medicine to feel the same effects or experiencing withdrawal symptoms without it. Signs of dependence include craving the medicine, using it more often than prescribed, or feeling unable to stop using it. To prevent addiction, follow the doctor's instructions carefully, do not increase the dose on your own, and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. If the medicine has no known potential for addiction, it is safe to use as directed without the risk of developing a habit.
Is Lansoprazole safe for the elderly?
In studies of the medicine lansoprazole, about one in six people were age 65 or older. These older patients seemed to do just as well and had the same safety profile as younger patients. However, doctors can't say for sure that some older adults might not be more sensitive to the medicine than others.
What are the most common side effects of Lansoprazole?
A side effect is an unwanted or unexpected symptom caused by a medicine. For this medicine, common side effects might include nausea, which is feeling sick to your stomach, dizziness, which is feeling lightheaded, headache, which is pain in your head, fatigue, which is feeling very tired, and dry mouth, which is when your mouth feels unusually dry. The frequency of these side effects can vary, but they are generally not experienced by everyone. It's important to remember that when starting a new medicine, you might notice new symptoms. These could be unrelated to the medicine, temporary, or due to another health issue. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medicine, as they can help you understand the risks and benefits.
Who should avoid taking Lansoprazole?
Take lansoprazole exactly as prescribed. It may help your acid-related symptoms, but you could still have serious stomach problems. Possible side effects include: * Kidney problems * Diarrhea caused by an infection * Growths in your stomach * Bone fractures * Lupus
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