Active substance and amount. Each capsule contains 30 mg of lansoprazole as enteric-coated micropellets resistant to stomach acid.

Indications. It is used in ulcers of the stomach and bowel, reflux oesophagitis, states of high acidity such as Zollinger–Ellison syndrome, and in the treatment of duodenal ulcer occurring with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection.

Presentation and storage. In bottles of 14 or 28 capsules. Stored below 30 degrees, at room temperature, in a dry place, protected from light.

How it works. Lansoprazole acts by suppressing the proton pumps in the parietal cells at the last stage of gastric acid secretion. Independently of the nature of the stimulus causing the acid to form, lansoprazole effectively prevents both basal and stimulated secretion of acid in the stomach.

After lansoprazole is taken by mouth it is rapidly absorbed from the bowel. The lansoprazole that passes into the blood is distributed throughout the body and begins to accumulate inside the parietal cells. Meeting hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the canaliculi of the parietal cell, lansoprazole is converted into its active metabolites and suppresses the proton pumps in those cells. Lansoprazole suppresses the pH of the stomach for about 18 hours out of 24, providing the best conditions for both peptic ulcer and reflux oesophagitis to heal.

Contraindications. It must not be used in those with hypersensitivity to lansoprazole.

Warnings and precautions. Lansoprazole capsules should be taken before meals. In hepatic insufficiency and in patients with cirrhosis, the elimination of lansoprazole slows after a single dose, so in such patients the dose should not exceed 30 mg. There are not yet sufficient data on the use of lansoprazole in pregnancy, during lactation and under the age of 18. For that reason it should not be used unless it is clearly necessary.

Side effects. Lansoprazole is well tolerated by the body. The side effects that are seen infrequently — nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, gas, skin rashes and headache — are mild and transient.

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