Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is a drug belonging to the class of proton pump inhibitors used to treat symptoms caused by excessive stomach acid. In ailments like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), there is a backward flow of the acid from the stomach to the oesophagus, causing heartburn and tissue injury. Thus, drugs work by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the abdomen region by inhibiting or blocking the cells in the body that produce surplus acid. This happens in the final step of acid production in the stomach.

In combination with antibiotics, Lansoprazole also helps prevent and heal ulcers caused by Helicobacter Pylori, a bacteria known to cause cancer. Lansoprazole is commonly used in combination with other drugs that cause the buildup of acid in the stomach. This drug is typically taken before meals to curb acid production.

What are the Uses of Lansoprazole?

The main component of stomach acid is hydrochloric acid that helps in the digestion of food. The stomach lining, which naturally secretes the acid, is controlled by hormones and the nervous system. Sometimes, the stomach produces too much acid. There can be several causes, like adverse effects of other medications, Helicobacter pylori infection, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, Gastric outlet construction and chronic kidney failure( CKD).

In such cases, Lansoprazole is used to prevent symptoms caused by excessive stomach acid production secreted by the stomach lining. It blocks the overproduction of stomach acid, thereby preventing ulcers, inflammation and other side effects. It is frequently used in patients experiencing GERD, peptic ulcers, Erosive Esophagitis, common acidity caused by lifestyle habits, gastric ulcers, indigestion and heartburn.

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    What are the Side Effects of Lansoprazole?

    Lansoprazole may cause side effects. You must take this medicine with precaution and as advised by the treating physician. The most common side effects are –

    • Gastrointestinal side-effects – Constipation, Nausea, Diarrhoea, Vomiting, stomach ache
    • Skin associated side-effects – rashes, hives, skin blisters and peeling
    • Allergic reaction – Inflammation, swelling of the eyes, mouth and throat
    • Headache and dizziness
    • Irregular heartbeat
    • Increased or decreased urination
    • Loss of appetite and tiredness
    • Fatigue

    If Lansoprazole is taken for a longer period, specific long-term effects are seen as well. It also causes low levels of magnesium that triggers a cascade of other side effects. Hence, you must consult with your doctor and continue taking this medicine as advised.

    For more information on how to use Lansoprazole, get in touch with our experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.

    What is Lansoprazole

    Uses of Lansoprazole

    Side effects of Lansoprazole

    References

    1. https://www.1mg.com/generics/lansoprazole-210105
    2. https://www.practo.com/medicine-info/lansoprazole-156-api
    3. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/acid-reflex-drug-may-help-women-avoid-pre-term-labor
    4. https://www.medindia.net/doctors/drug_information/lansoprazole.htm

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Lansoprazole

    Lansoprazole and Esomeprazole, both proton pump inhibitors, prevent the excessive production of stomach acid. Esomeprazole is an H2 blocker with active elements to block specific receptors on the cell surface that release acids. Taking both the drugs together will only inhibit the acid production, further leading to more complications. It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking both these drugs together.

    Lansoprazole is a drug that inhibits excessive acid production that can cause severe ailments and diseases. Alcohol use is not advised with this drug because alcohol increases the acid production that may worsen your symptoms. You must consult your doctor to understand any other drug interactions along with Lansoprazole that will create an unpleasant feeling in your stomach.

    Lansoprazole belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. They are known to cause constipation in patients who have been on them for a longer time. Lifestyle modifications like a fibre-rich diet, consuming more water, and exercising can help ease this problem.

    Patients taking Lansoprazole can stop taking it if they are using it for a short period. In Lansoprazole long-term users, it is observed there is an increase in acidity, and the symptoms might return, in which case you must consult the physician. However, gradual reduction of dosage can help prevent the return of symptoms.

    Lansoprazole, a common drug used for reducing stomach acid, is also known to elevate blood sugar. Many researchers believe that short term use of Lansoprazole is not known to cause any adverse effect on blood sugar levels. Long term administration can be a cause for type 2 diabetes. However, the exact mechanism of elevated blood sugar levels is still not known.

    Some people consuming Lansoprazole may experience frequent watery stools. If this symptom persists for a few days, along with other symptoms like fever and abdomen cramps, then you must get in touch with your doctor immediately. The overgrowth of Clostridium difficile bacteria causes diarrhoea in patients. Lansoprazole use decreases the stomach's gastric acid that kills the bacteria, causing irrepressible diarrhoea with cramps and fever.

    According to the FDA drug approvals list, Lansoprazole is listed as a Category B drug. The regulations enlist Lansoprazole not to cause any foetal harm, but there is limited research on it in human pregnancies. Lansoprazole may not be completely safe during pregnancy unless the doctor deems it necessary and the benefits outweigh the risk.

    Lansoprazole is not a bad drug; it helps prevent and treat conditions like heartburn and ulcers by inhibiting acid production. It has been shown to have a very good efficacy if taken on an empty stomach in the morning. As a drug that interferes with the body's processes, it too has its side effects like diarrhoea, constipation, inflammations, weakness, headache etc.

    Lansoprazole is not advised to take for longer than 3 months due to the long-term side effects that it may cause. Long-term use causes a decrease in magnesium levels that can cause physiological changes in the body like muscle twitches, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tiredness, drowsiness, and lower calcium levels.

    Lansoprazole does not directly cause any weight gain, but it can cause bloating or oedema. Oedema caused by fluid retention tends to increase body weight making one feel tired and heavy all the time. Acid reflux caused by higher food intake after the acid reflux subsides is another possible reason for weight gain. Lifestyle changes with proper diet and exercise will prevent weight gain. If you feel tired, experience swelling on your hands, feet and stomach, you must consult your physician.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. DDR Dexlansoprazole 60mg Capsule
    2. Deltone Dexlansoprazole 60mg Capsule
    3. LAN Dexlansoprazole 30mg Capsule
    4. Lanzol Dexlansoprazole 30mg Capsule
    5. Lanfil Dexlansoprazole 15mg Capsule