Lanz

Indications

Lansoprazole reduces stomach acid. It is used for heartburn and acid reflux (GERD), inflammation of the food pipe caused by acid (oesophagitis), stomach and duodenal ulcers, prevention of ulcers in people taking NSAID painkillers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a rare condition with very high acid), and, together with antibiotics, to clear Helicobacter pylori, a germ that causes ulcers.

How It Works

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It blocks the "proton pump" in the stomach lining that releases acid, so much less acid is made. This relieves symptoms and lets ulcers and inflammation heal.

Dosage and Administration

• Heartburn and acid reflux: usually 15 to 30 mg once a day.
• Oesophagitis: usually 30 mg once a day for 4 to 8 weeks.
• Duodenal ulcer: usually 30 mg once a day for 2 to 4 weeks.
• Stomach ulcer: usually 30 mg once a day for 4 to 8 weeks.
• Long-term prevention: usually 15 mg once a day, as prescribed.
• Helicobacter pylori: usually 30 mg twice a day with two antibiotics for 7 to 14 days, as prescribed. Combination kits are taken exactly as prescribed.

Take it in the morning at least 30 minutes before breakfast. Swallow capsules whole; do not crush or chew. Children and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: as prescribed.

Interactions

Lansoprazole can reduce the absorption of Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, iron and some HIV medicines; it should not be taken with Atazanavir or Rilpivirine. It may raise levels of Tacrolimus, Digoxin and high-dose Methotrexate, and may lower Theophylline levels. Antacids and Sucralfate can reduce its absorption, so take them at least 1 hour apart. People on Warfarin may need extra blood tests.

Contraindications

• Allergy to lansoprazole or other PPIs (such as Omeprazole or Esomeprazole).
• Use with Atazanavir or Rilpivirine.

Side Effects

Common: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, tummy pain, constipation, wind and dizziness. Long-term use can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels and slightly raise the risk of bone fractures.

Get urgent medical help if you have:

• Severe or ongoing watery diarrhoea, especially with fever or tummy pain.
• Black stools, vomiting blood, difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss.
• A severe rash with blisters or peeling, or a rash on sun-exposed skin with joint pain.
• Muscle cramps, shaking or an irregular heartbeat (possible low magnesium).
• Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use during pregnancy only if a doctor advises it. Avoid during breastfeeding unless a doctor advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, as a lower dose may be needed. Lansoprazole can hide the symptoms of stomach cancer, so see a doctor before long-term use if you are over 45 with new symptoms, or have weight loss, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time needed. After long use, stopping suddenly can cause rebound acid; ask your doctor how to stop.

Overdose

No specific effects are well known. Seek medical advice if a large amount has been taken.

Therapeutic Class

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.