Uses of Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole is used in the treatment and prevention of intestinal and peptic (stomach) ulcers, reflux oesophagitis (inflammation of lower food pipe due to backflow of acidic stomach material) and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (small tumour in the first part of your bowel due to excessive gastrin secretion).

It is also used for short term treatment of erosive esophagitis (painful inflammation of food pipe causing difficulty swallowing, chest pain, etc.) when patients are unable to take the oral form.

Therapeutic Category

Lansoprazole: Proton Pump Inhibitors

How Lansoprazole works

Lansoprazole suppresses stomach acid secretion by specific inhibition of an enzyme system at the secretory surface of stomach cells, that results in blockage of the final step of acid production.

Common side effects of Lansoprazole

• headache, dizziness
• diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence
• dry or sore mouth or throat
• skin rash, itching
• tiredness
• benign stomach polyps (pain on pressing the stomach, nausea, blood in stool, anemia)
• altered liver function tests

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdose
• If you experience stomach pain
• If you experience signs of angioedema (swollen face, tongue or pharynx, difficulty to swallow or breathe, hives)
• If you experience severe hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic shock (fever, rash, swelling and sometimes a fall in blood pressure)
• If you experience very severe skin reactions causing reddening, blistering, inflammation, and skin loss (Ex. Stevens Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme)
• If you experience signs of liver inflammation (yellowing of skin or eye)

Health Tips for Lansoprazole

• Lansoprazole should be taken under the guidance and prescription of a healthcare professional
• Lansoprazole taken before meals or as directed by physician. Do not skip doses or stop taking the medication without discussing it with your doctor
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Lansoprazole, as it may increase the risk of certain side effects
• Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Attend regular health checkups while taking this medicine
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding