It is a proton pump inhibitor medicine . It works by counteracting the amount of acids produced by the stomach.
What is Lansoprazole used for?
Lansoprazole can be recommended by your doctor in the presence of gastroesophageal reflux to minimize symptoms, allow the esophagus to heal and prevent other damage.
It can also be recommended to treat ulcers, to prevent their reappearance, to reduce the risk of gastritis and / or ulcers occurring in those who are treated with NSAIDs and in those who are positive for Helicobacter pylori . It can also be useful in conditions associated with excessive acid production in the stomach , such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.Lansoprazole can also be taken without a prescription to treat frequent heartburn (which occurs at least 2 days a week).
How is Lansoprazole taken?
Lansoprazole can be taken in the form of delayed-release capsules or lozenges to be dissolved in the mouth.
In the presence of gastroesophageal reflux it is taken once a day, before meals, but when administered in combination with other medicines to eradicate Helicobacter pylori it must be taken 2 or 3 times a day for 10-14 days.
Against heartburn it is recommended to be administered in the morning, before breakfast, for 14 consecutive days. The cure can be repeated every 4 months.
The contents of capsules and tablets can also be administered through a nasogastric tube.
Side effects on the use of Lansoprazole
After the age of 50, Lansoprazole increases the risk of serious bacterial diarrhea and fractures of the wrist, hip or spine.
Among other possible side effects of the active ingredient we also find:
- dizziness
- constipation
- headache
- nausea
It is essential to notify your doctor immediately if Lansoprazole causes:
- irregular, rapid or heavy heart beat
- dizziness
- convulsions
- trouble swallowing or trouble breathing
- temperature
- severe diarrhea with watery stools
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
- stomach pain
- urticaria
- rash
- hoarseness
- sense of having a light head
- muscle spasms
- excessive tiredness
- uncontrollable tremors
- blistering or peeling of the skin
Contraindications and warnings on the use of Lansoprazole
In the presence of ongoing therapy with sucralfate it becomes necessary to administer it at least 30 minutes after Lansoprazole. Lansoprazole should not be used to treat sudden heartburn.
Also, before taking it, you must tell your doctor:
- of allergies to the active substance, its excipients or other medicines
- of the drugs, phytotherapy and supplements taken, remembering to mention mainly antibiotics, anticoagulants, Atazanavir, digoxin, diuretics, iron supplements, Ketoconazole, Methotrexate, Tacrolimus and Theophylline;
- if you suffer (or have suffered) from magnesium deficiencies or liver disease;
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding ;
- if you suffer from Phenylketonuria ;
- if in the previous 3 months you have suffered from: light-headedness, sweating or dizziness linked to heartburn;
- chest or back pain;
- shortness of breath or wheezing;
- extensive pain in the arms, neck or shoulders;
- unjustified weight loss;
- nausea;
- vomiting, mainly if with blood;
- stomach pain;
- problems or pain when swallowing;
- black stool or blood in the stool .
