Lansoprazole

What is Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is a treatment for acid reflux and GERD. Acid reflux is when acid from the stomach travels into your food pipe and throat. It causes a burning sensation that we know as heartburn. Other symptoms can include bloating and bad breath. Lansoprazole treats acid reflux by stopping the cells in the lining of your stomach from producing too much acid.

Persistent and recurring acid reflux is called GERD (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease).

Lansoprazole is a generic version of other branded treatments, such as Prevacid. It’s available either as a capsule that’s taken with water, or as a tablet that melts in the mouth.

How does Lansoprazole work?

Acid reflux happens when acid in the stomach passes through the ring of muscle that holds the bottom of the esophagus closed, and then enters the food pipe and throat.

Your stomach uses acid to break down the food you eat so that your body can digest it. It’s produced by proton pumps in the lining of your stomach wall. Sometimes, though, they produce too much and it goes up into your food pipe.

Lansoprazole prevents the proton pumps from producing too much acid. As a result there isn’t excess acid to travel to the food pipe and cause heartburn and the other symptoms associated with acid reflux and GERD.

What doses of Lansoprazole are there?

Lansoprazole capsules come in two doses: 15mg and 30mg. They’re swallowed with water, and can be taken once or twice a day.

It’s also available as a dissolvable orodispersible tablet that melts on the tongue and doesn’t need to be taken with water.

For acid reflux, treatment usually involves taking one 30mg tablet or capsule daily for four weeks.

How to take Lansoprazole

How you take lansoprazole depends on the version you are taking. It’s important that you read the leaflet that comes with it beforehand. If you‘re unsure about anything to do with taking the medicine, let a doctor know.

Instructions: Lansoprazole gastro-resistant capsules

• Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water.
• Take capsules at the same time everyday.
• Take lansoprazole tablets in the morning.
• Take capsules half an hour before food.

Instructions: Lansoprazole orodispersible tablets

• Take the tablet half an hour before food.
• Take it at the same time of day.
• Take the tablet in the morning.
• Put the tablet into your mouth and allow it to dissolve before swallowing.
• Use a syringe if you struggle to take the tablet. For full instructions on how to take it with the syringe, check the package insert.

How long does it take Lansoprazole to work?

Lansoprazole starts to work straight away. Within a few days, you should start to feel relief from symptoms like acid reflux,heartburn and indigestion, but it can take up to four weeks to feel the full effects.

It takes just under two hours for lansoprazole to reach the bloodstream, but can take 50% longer if you take it with food.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Lansoprazole?

If you forget to take a dose of lansoprazole you should take your medication as soon as you remember. If it’s time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on as usual. Never take a double dose of lansoprazole.

If you take too much lansoprazole seek medical advice immediately.