Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (it blocks acid production) that treats heartburn and hyperacidity.
Pronunciation: lan-SOE-pra-zol
What are lansoprazole’s uses?
Lansoprazole helps with the short-term relief of heartburn and hyperacidity (an excess secretion of stomach acid causing acidity in the gastrointestinal tract and thus a burning sensation). It basically decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach and helps treat disorders such as acid reflux and stomach ulcers.
Its other benefit is the prevention of gastro-oesophagael reflux disease (or GORD, a common condition where stomach acid leaks out of the stomach and into the oesophagus).
What dosage should you take?
For the treatment of functional dyspepsia (non-ulcer stomach pain), the recommended dose is 15mg daily for one week. Thereafter a doctor needs to be consulted if symptoms persist.
However, always check the correct dosages with your Clicks pharmacist first.
What special precautions should you take?
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it’s best to avoid its use, however, first check with your doctor or Clicks pharmacist.
- If you’re at risk of osteoporosis and taking lansoprazole, supplement with vitamin D and calcium, and your magnesium levels should be monitored.
- This medicine may cause a severe intestinal condition called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhoea, fever, and blood or mucous in your stool.
Lansoprazole should be avoided if you suffer from liver disease.
It should be used with caution if you have porphyria (a group of rare genetic disorders that affect mainly the skin or nervous system), hence consult your doctor or Clicks pharmacist first.
What drug interactions could you experience?
To avoid adverse drug interactions, always inform your doctor or Clicks pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or planning to take.
What are lansoprazole’s side effects?
Its side effects could include:
This is not a complete list of side effects. It’s essential that you call your doctor should you notice any severe or odd side effects, particularly if you suspect an overdose.