Lansoprazole bowel issues

[pd63]

Gotta colorectal consultant appt next week due to alternating constipation and diarrhea for 4 weeks. Been on lansoprazole for 3 years, gp has just reduced dosage from 30 to 15 mg. Has anyone had bowel issues with lanso after long time use, aint had any issues before recent episode.

Bloods tomorrow, full suite of tests including coeliac check which runs in the family

[Jalia]

ive been on Lansoprazole for many years..30mg ..and have had no problems bowel wise nor any other way.

[Ppiman]

I doubt there’s a relationship between the two but it’s possible. I've been on lansoprazole, and more recently esomeprazole, for a long time with no obvious issues.

More likely you have IBS or diverticulae irritating the bowel. You might also have what is called a redundant colon, as I have, which can lead to a “lazy bowel” and constipation. You might also be given a colonoscopy, or even a “virtual colonoscopy” using a CT-scanner, to determine what is going on.

Steve

[Susie3012 in reply to Ppiman]

watery diarrhoea is a very common side effect of lansoprazole and most other PPIs. Lansoprazole studies have shown a correlation with microscopic collangeous colitis.

[Ppiman in reply to Susie3012]

I’ve not read of that as a side effect. Thanks for pointing it out. The thing is that these drugs work so very well and do prevent the worrying oesophageal erosion that was once much more common.

Steve

[Windlepoons]

It gave me the runs. Someone explained that because it reduces the stomach acid then bugs that can cause cause stomach and bowel upsets are not always as efficiently destroyed by the reduced acid levels.

[Ppiman in reply to Windlepoons]

I don’t think all acid is stopped; also, I suspect that the powerful digestive enzymes in the stomach (e.g. pepsin) asking with bile fluids are very effective at killing bacteria.

It’s also the case that, in general, PPI drugs are exceptionally well tolerated.

Steve

[Mouchkin]

I had exactly what you describe when taking Omeprazole. I have taken it , over the years ,and it has happened three times. It has taken a few days to settle down . I drank more water and upped my vegetables when having the constipation and have stopped the PPI . They obviously don’t suit me. My husband has died and I have a huge amount of stress with my step children. I just take Gaviscon and Rennies when I have acid reflux.

[FiveMilesSouth]

hi pd63

I’ve been taking 15mg morning and evening for at least ten years and no problems.

[Susie3012]

yes I took lansoprazole for a few weeks and ended up with microscopic collangeous colitis for 5 months. There are lots of studies and warnings about lansoprazole causing diarrhoea and colitis. I had gastritis recently and took Omoprazole for a few weeks then my GP changed it to Lansoprazole. I only took it for 2 days and stopped it as it’s given me diarrhoea again. That was nearly a week ago and the diarrhoea still persisting. I don’t think that GPs tell you about the risks of PPIs causing diarrhoea and colitis. It is common. I’ll have to go back to my GP again if it doesn’t settle. It’s no fun having colitis for months on end and always worrying that you won’t make it to the loo!