Lansoprazole is a drug that reduces the amount of acid the stomach makes. It is used particularly to treat reflux disease, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and some diseases caused by stomach acid.

It belongs to the group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Lansor is one of the brand names of drugs containing lansoprazole.

Lansoprazole is not a steroid (cortisone) or an antibiotic. It is not addictive.

How does lansoprazole work?

The stomach makes acid to help digest food. However, acid flowing back into the gullet, or damage to the protective layer of the stomach and duodenum, can cause some diseases.

Lansoprazole suppresses the acid-producing mechanism in the stomach cells and so reduces the amount of acid.

In this way it helps ease complaints such as heartburn and acid indigestion, and helps inflammation of the gullet and ulcers heal.

Lansoprazole does not remove stomach acid completely; it strongly reduces acid production.

What is it used for?

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Reflux is the backward flow of stomach contents into the gullet. It can cause symptoms such as burning in the chest and a bitter or sour taste coming up into the mouth.

Lansoprazole reduces stomach acid and so eases these complaints.

It also helps heal the inflammation and superficial sores in the gullet caused by acid (erosive oesophagitis).

However, the drug does not mechanically stop stomach contents flowing back into the gullet. It reduces the harmful effect of the acid.

Stomach and duodenal ulcers

An ulcer is a sore on the inner lining of the stomach or duodenum.

By reducing stomach acid, lansoprazole makes it easier for these sores to heal.

Depending on the cause of the ulcer, further treatment may be needed.

Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that can settle in the stomach and can play a part in causing gastritis and ulcers.

Lansoprazole can be used to treat this bacterium together with suitable antibiotics and, where needed, other drugs.

Lansoprazole on its own does not get rid of Helicobacter pylori.

After treatment is finished, it may be necessary to check with suitable tests whether the bacterium has been cleared.

Stomach ulcers caused by painkillers

Some painkillers, such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac, can increase the risk of stomach ulcers.

In suitable patients, lansoprazole can be used to treat ulcers caused by these drugs or to reduce the risk of developing an ulcer.

However, not everyone who takes painkillers needs a stomach-protecting drug.

Excessive stomach acid production

In rare diseases such as Zollinger–Ellison syndrome, the stomach can make much more acid than normal.

Lansoprazole can also be used to treat these diseases.

How is lansoprazole taken?

Lansoprazole usually comes as capsules or similar forms taken by mouth that resist stomach acid.

It is usually recommended to take it 30–60 minutes before a meal.

If it is taken once a day, it is mostly taken before breakfast. If it needs to be taken twice a day, it can be taken before the morning and evening meals, as your doctor advises.

The dose and length of use vary with the disease.
The coated granules inside the capsule should not be crushed or chewed.
Patients who find it hard to swallow the capsule should ask a pharmacist or doctor how best to take their product.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Long-term treatment should be continued under a doctor’s supervision.

Lansoprazole can start to work after the first dose. However, it may take a few days for the symptoms to come fully under control.

What are the side effects of lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is generally well tolerated. Even so, some patients may have side effects.

More common side effects

Headache
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Wind and bloating

Most of these complaints are mild and pass.

Rare but important side effects

Kidney problems: Rarely, an inflammatory reaction can develop in the kidney.

Bowel infections: The fall in stomach acid can make some bowel infections more likely.

Low magnesium: Rarely, particularly with long-term use, the magnesium level in the blood can fall.

Vitamin B12 deficiency: Acid-suppressing treatment lasting many years can reduce vitamin B12 absorption in some patients.

Bone fractures: A link has been reported between long-term, especially high-dose, use and some bone fractures. However, this does not mean that everyone who takes lansoprazole will develop osteoporosis.

Serious allergic reactions and severe skin reactions can also occur rarely.

Can lansoprazole be taken for a long time?

Yes. Some diseases may need long-term treatment.

For example, long-term treatment may be appropriate in severe erosive oesophagitis or in some diseases in which too much stomach acid is made.

However, not every patient with reflux or heartburn needs to take lansoprazole for years.

The aim of treatment is to use the lowest effective dose that keeps the disease under control.

The need for long-term treatment should be reviewed by the doctor at regular intervals.

Does stomach acid increase when lansoprazole is stopped?

In some patients, particularly after long-term use, stopping the drug can lead to a temporary increase in stomach acid production and heartburn.

This does not happen in every patient.

Also, when the drug is stopped, the symptoms of the underlying reflux disease can start again.

For this reason, in patients who have taken the drug for a long time, stopping or reducing treatment should be planned together with the doctor.

Does it interact with other medicines?

Lansoprazole can change the absorption or effect of some medicines.

Patients taking the following medicines in particular should tell their doctor:

Some HIV medicines
Methotrexate, particularly at high doses
Digoxin
Warfarin
Some antifungal medicines
Medicines containing iron

Interactions do not necessarily occur with every medicine. The risk is assessed according to the medicine used and the patient’s condition.

Who should take it with care?

The use of lansoprazole should be assessed by the doctor in the following situations:

A previous serious allergic reaction to the drug
Significant liver disease
Long-term use of many medicines
A history of low magnesium
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
High risk of osteoporosis or fractures

Also, if heartburn comes with any of the following signs, it is not right to just wait while taking an acid-reducing drug:

Difficulty swallowing
Unintended weight loss
Vomiting blood
Black, tarry stools
Unexplained anaemia
Constant or repeated vomiting

These signs need medical assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Is lansoprazole a stomach protector?

It is popularly known as a stomach protector. In fact it reduces the production of stomach acid. It can be used to protect against stomach ulcers, particularly in some patients at high risk of ulcers.

Are lansoprazole and pantoprazole the same?

They are not the same drug. However, both belong to the proton pump inhibitor group and reduce stomach acid by a similar mechanism.

Should lansoprazole be taken on an empty or a full stomach?

It is usually recommended to take it 30–60 minutes before a meal. The instructions for the product used should be followed.

Is lansoprazole addictive?

No. It is not addictive. However, after long-term use, temporary heartburn can appear when it is stopped.

Does every patient with gastritis need lansoprazole?

No. The cause of the gastritis matters. For example, if there is Helicobacter pylori infection, taking lansoprazole alone is not enough.

Does lansoprazole prevent stomach cancer?

It cannot be said that lansoprazole generally prevents stomach cancer. Also, an easing of complaints with the drug does not prove for certain that there is no serious stomach disease.

How long should lansoprazole be taken?

The length of treatment depends on the disease. In some patients a few weeks of treatment is enough, while others need to take it for longer.

Important: This page has been prepared to inform patients. The dose of lansoprazole and the length of treatment should be decided according to the type and severity of the disease and the patient’s other health problems. The drug should not be taken for a long time without a doctor’s advice.