What is Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, is a drug intended primarily to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It may also be prescribed to treat or prevent ulcers. People with a medical condition in which their stomachs produce too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, may also use lansoprazole. There is also a smaller dosage of this medication available over-the-counter, which a person may take to relieve heartburn. Both the prescription and nonprescription strength medications work by lowering the amount of acid that the stomach produces.

The nonprescription lansoprazole comes in a capsule to be swallowed whole, along with a glass of water. Patients should never crush or chew them, as they are engineered with a delayed-release formula. Nonprescription lansoprazole is not intended for immediate symptom relief, but rather, patients may notice relief after one to four days. They should not take it for longer than 14 days.

Prescription lansoprazole is available as a capsule and as an orally disintegrating tablet. Patients will typically take one dose before a meal, once or twice daily. Capsules should usually be swallowed whole. Patients who have difficulty swallowing them may open the capsule and dissolve the contents into a glass of juice or a spoonful of applesauce. After drinking the medication, they should refill the glass and consume the contents to ensure that they have received the full dose.

Patients taking the orally disintegrating lansoprazole should place one tablet on the tongue. It will usually take no more than one minute to fully dissolve, during which time they should not try to chew or crush it. After it is dissolved, they may swallow the residue with some water.

Lansoprazole may cause some side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, and constipation. Stomach pain, headache, and dizziness may also occur. Side effects that become severe or do not go away should be discussed with a doctor. Other side effects may occur that require a doctor's care, such as blistering or peeling skin, a rash, hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or hoarseness. Rarely, a patient taking lansoprazole for three years or longer may develop vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms of this deficiency can include unusual weakness, tingling or numbness of the hands and feet and a sore tongue. Proton pump inhibitors may also make one more likely to suffer from fractures, particularly in patients who are 50 years old or older.

Patients should discuss all of their other medical conditions with their doctor. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot take the orally disintegrating tablet, because it contains aspartame. All other medications and supplements should also be disclosed, such as sucralfate, blood thinners, and iron supplements.