Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These lowers stomach acid levels by inhibiting (or stopping) certain enzymes in the stomach lining from producing acid.

As well as being commonly used to treat heartburn, Lansoprazole can treat other acid-related problems including:

• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
• stomach ulcers
• oesophagitis
• stomach infections (when taken alongside antibiotics)
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a rare condition caused by a tumour in the pancreas)

Lansoprazole comes as dispersible tablets (which dissolve in water) or capsules that are swallowed whole. They are a prescription-only medication (POM) and can only be taken with your doctor’s permission.

Lansoprazole, like other proton pump inhibitors, works to treat gastric issues like acid reflux by lowering the amount of stomach acid you produce.

Proton pumps are enzymes found in the lining of the stomach. They are responsible for producing stomach acid to help digest food.

By taking Lansoprazole, you inhibit (or stop) these enzymes from producing as much acid. This can relieve indigestion and heartburn, as well as other issues where stomach acid causes irritation, discomfort or burning sensations.

You should always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking a newly prescribed medication. However, a recommended guide for taking Lansoprazole is as follows.

For best results, Lansoprazole should be taken on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before a meal. Make sure to swallow the capsule whole with water as chewing or breaking it can reduce how well it works. If taking a dispersible tablet, place it on the tongue and suck gently until it dissolves.

If you are taking one dose per day, it is recommended that you do so in the morning. If you take two doses, these should be spaced out (in the morning and evening).

Different conditions have different dosage instructions.

If you forget a dose of Lansoprazole, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time of your next dose. If the latter is true, simply skip the forgotten dose and keep taking your treatment as usual.

If you are taking Lansoprazole on a long-term basis, make sure to report any significant side effects or symptoms to your doctor when you have your routine checkups.

If you experience an allergic skin rash while taking Lansoprazole, especially in areas exposed to the sun, you must tell your doctor as soon as you can. This could be a sign that you need to stop treatment. The same goes for any new joint pain or discomfort.

Potential drug interactions

Before taking Lansoprazole, make sure to tell your doctor about any other drugs you are taking. This includes over-the-counter and recreational drugs.

In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking medicines containing any of the following active substances as Lansoprazole may affect the way these drugs work:

The following drugs should not be taken with Lansoprazole:

• ketoconazole, itraconazole, or rifampicin (used to treat infections)
• digoxin (used to treat heart problems)
• theophylline (used to treat asthma)
• tacrolimus (used to prevent transplant rejection)
• fluvoxamine (used to treat depression and other psychiatric diseases)
• antacids (used to treat heartburn or acid regurgitation) sucralfate (used for healing ulcers)
• a medicine used to treat mild depression (called St John’s wort)

Lansoprazole is generally well-tolerated. However, just like any medication, there is a risk of side effects.

It is normal to experience side effects (although not everybody gets them). In the majority of cases, they are mild and go away once you have finished taking the treatment.

Common side effects include:

• headache
• dizziness
• gastric issues (including diarrhoea, stomach pains, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and gas)
• skin rashes or itching
• tiredness

Please note: if you experience any dizziness, it is your responsibility to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for both your safety and others.

For an extended list of side effects, including rare and very rare side effects, please consult the patient leaflet included with your pack.

Lansoprazole is safe for the majority of people. However, it’s important to consult with your doctor so you know that it’s safe for you.

Lansoprazole is NOT safe to take if:

• you are allergic to Lansoprazole or any of the ingredients included in this treatment
• you’ve had an allergic reaction (including an allergic skin reaction) to a different kind of proton pump inhibitor in the past
• you are taking a medication for HIV called Atazanivir

Speak to your doctor before taking Lansoprazole if you have serious liver disease. They may need to adjust the dose to ensure that this medication is safe for you to take.

Yes, you can buy Lansoprazole online at HealthExpress for the treatment of acid reflux. Simply answer the online medical questions to complete your online consultation. This will then be reviewed by one of our doctors.

If approved for treatment, your order will be shipped straight to your door in discreet packing with free next-day delivery.

You can also try other acid reflux treatments, including Omeprazole and Rabeprazole.