Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole is used to treat acid reflux. It works by reducing acid levels in your stomach, relieving symptoms such as heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, bloating and hiccups.

Lansoprazole can be used to treat several conditions caused by high acid levels in the gut, including indigestion, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and stomach ulcers.

At 121doc, Lansoprazole is available as 15 mg and 30 mg gastro-resistant capsules. Gastro-resistant capsules have a special coating that prevents them from dissolving in the stomach. This ensures that the medicine is absorbed effectively in the intestine and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

Lansoprazole belongs to a group of acid reflux medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Proton pumps are responsible for the production of stomach acid, and these medicines work by targeting and blocking how they work. This reduces the acidity in the stomach, which makes it less likely for the acid to travel up the oesophagus (food pipe), and helps prevent the symptoms of acid reflux.

Lansoprazole has been proven to be an effective treatment for acid reflux. A 2014 clinical trial included over 12,000 participants who completed questionnaires regarding their Lansoprazole treatment 2 and 4 weeks after starting it.

The results showed that:

• 75.7% of participants (8 in 10) reported their heartburn symptoms had improved.
• 68.7% of participants (7 in 10) reported feeling less full after meals.

Most adults with acid reflux can safely use Lansoprazole. However, some people should consult their doctor if they have certain medical conditions, as they may be more at risk of side effects, such as those who:

• are at risk of osteoporosis
• are at an increased risk of B12 deficiency

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to Lansoprazole or any of the other ingredients.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have any other medical conditions or take other medicines, speak to your doctor before using Lansoprazole.

Like all prescription medicines, Lansoprazole may cause some side effects. The most common side effects typically go away on their own once your body gets used to the medicine.

Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people):

• stomach pain
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• headache
• insomnia
• nausea
• skin reactions
• vomiting

Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any persistent or serious side effects.

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet (PIL).

Lansoprazole does not directly cause weight gain, but some people may experience bloating and water retention while using it, which increases body weight. This is more common in long-term use.

Lansoprazole is available in two doses: 15 and 30 mg capsules. The dose will depend on the severity or the cause of your symptoms. You usually take one capsule every day. Some patients may need one capsule twice a day based on their condition. Always follow the dosage instructions given by your doctor.

Symptoms usually start improving within 2-3 days of starting Lansoprazole. However, it may take up to 4 weeks to experience the full effects.

Lansoprazole has a short half-life of about 1-2 hours and it leaves the bloodstream quickly. Its effects last much longer than this though, meaning a single dose suppresses acid production for around 24 hours.

The length of your treatment will depend on your condition. For GORD and the treatment of gastric ulcers, Lansoprazole is typically prescribed for up to 4-8 weeks.

It can also be prescribed as a daily maintenance treatment for chronic symptoms, if your doctor believes it is necessary. Long-term usage of Lansoprazole comes with some potential risks, such as low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels, so your doctor will need to monitor your treatment closely.

The best time to take Lansoprazole is in the morning, as this will help control the production of acid throughout the day. However, if you are taking Lansoprazole twice a day, you will usually take your second dose in the evening.

If you suffer from night-time acid reflux symptoms, your doctor may also recommend taking Lansoprazole before going to bed. Try to take it at least 30 minutes before your last meal to ensure it will be effective.

No, it is not recommended to take Lansoprazole after a meal as it can prevent the absorption of the medication. If you are in between meals, you should wait at least 2 hours after eating before taking it.

Yes, if needed, you can take antacids, such as Gaviscon, for further symptom relief alongside Lansoprazole. You need to wait at least a 2 hours between taking these medications, as Gaviscon can prevent Lansoprazole from absorbing properly if taken too close together.

While Lansoprazole and Omeprazole are both proton pump inhibitors and work in the same way to reduce stomach acid, they differ from each other in their chemical structure, dosage options, manufacturers, and how quickly they work. Therefore, one of these treatments may be more suitable for you than the other.

Yes, the safety and efficacy of Lansoprazole have been studied extensively in clinical trials. However, if you have another medical condition or take other medication, a doctor will need to ensure it is safe for you to take. When you complete our medical questionnaire during the ordering process, our doctors will be able to assess your suitability.

Some low-dose Lansoprazole products are available without a prescription. However, higher doses and longer-term treatment require a prescription. Our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects