lansoprazole at a glance
Medicine class
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI).
Main role
Reduces stomach acid to relieve reflux symptoms and help ulcers heal or prevent their recurrence.
Food
Take before food because food reduces absorption.
What is lansoprazole used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for:
Duodenal and gastric ulcers.
Reflux oesophagitis, including prevention of recurrence.
Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori with appropriate antibiotics for associated ulcers.
Treatment or prevention of ulcers associated with continued NSAID use in appropriate patients.
Zollinger–Ellison syndrome.
How does lansoprazole work?
Lansoprazole becomes active in the acidic environment of stomach parietal cells. It inhibits the H+/K+-ATPase proton pump, reducing resting and meal-stimulated acid production.
lansoprazole preparations and strengths
Dispersible tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 15 mg, 30 mg
Gastro-resistant capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 15 mg, 30 mg
How to take lansoprazole
Follow the product label and prescriber’s instructions. Take lansoprazole before food.
Swallow gastro-resistant capsules whole with liquid. Some selected capsules may be opened if swallowing is difficult, but do not crush or chew the granules.
Allow an orodispersible tablet to disperse on the tongue and swallow the released microgranules without chewing. It may alternatively be swallowed whole with water.
Selected orodispersible products can be dispersed in water for an oral syringe or suitable nasogastric tube; follow the product-specific instructions.
Separate antacids from lansoprazole as advised by a pharmacist or the product leaflet.
lansoprazole side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or dizziness.
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea or constipation.
- Wind.
- Dry mouth or throat.
- Itching, rash or hives.
- Tiredness.
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty.
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread skin reactions.
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea, including possible microscopic colitis.
- Jaundice, dark urine or worsening abdominal pain.
- Sun-exposed rash with joint pain.
- Confusion, muscle twitching, shaking or an irregular heartbeat, which may indicate low magnesium.
- Possible acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, which can progress to kidney failure.
lansoprazole in pregnancy
Selected product information does not recommend routine use during pregnancy because product-specific clinical data are limited. UK pregnancy information states that PPIs have not been shown to increase major adverse pregnancy outcomes and that lansoprazole may be used when a clinician considers it appropriate; omeprazole is usually preferred because more safety information is available. Do not stop prescribed treatment without speaking to the prescriber.
lansoprazole while breastfeeding
UK specialist guidance states that any PPI can be used while breastfeeding a full-term, healthy infant, although omeprazole or pantoprazole is generally preferred because supporting evidence is stronger. Lansoprazole is expected to reach milk only in small amounts and is likely to be degraded in the infant’s gut. Seek individual advice for premature or unwell infants and monitor for feeding or gastrointestinal changes.
lansoprazole interactions
Important examples include:
Antacids or sucralfate
May reduce lansoprazole absorption; separate administration according to product instructions or pharmacist advice.
Atazanavir, nelfinavir and similar pH-dependent HIV medicines
Reduced stomach acidity can substantially reduce antiviral absorption; selected products advise against or contraindicate co-administration.
Common questions about lansoprazole
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is Zoton the same medicine as lansoprazole?
Yes. Zoton FasTab is a UK brand containing lansoprazole.
Why should lansoprazole be taken before food?
Food slows absorption and reduces the amount reaching the circulation, so taking it beforehand improves exposure.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.