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Lansoprazole

About lansoprazole

Lansoprazole reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. It's used for indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux and gastroesophageal-reflux-disease (GORD). Lansoprazole is also taken to prevent and treat stomach ulcers.

Sometimes, lansoprazole is taken for a rare condition caused by a tumour in the pancreas or gut called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Lansoprazole is only available on prescription. It comes as capsules and tablets.

Who can and cannot take lansoprazole

Most adults and children can take lansoprazole.

Lansoprazole is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before taking lansoprazole if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to lansoprazole or any other medicines
  • have liver problems
  • are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
  • are due to have an endoscopy

If you're going to have an endoscopy, ask your doctor if you should stop taking lansoprazole a few weeks before your procedure. This is because lansoprazole may hide some of the problems that would usually be spotted during an endoscopy.

How and when to take lansoprazole

You'll usually take lansoprazole once a day, first thing in the morning.

If you take lansoprazole twice a day, take 1 dose in the morning and 1 dose in the evening.

Lansoprazole works best if you take it at least 30 minutes before a meal or snack. That's because food stops some lansoprazole getting into your system.

Dosage and strength

The usual dose to treat:

  • indigestion is 15mg to 30mg a day
  • acid reflux is 15mg to 30mg a day
  • stomach ulcers is 15mg to 30mg a day
  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is 60mg a day – this can increase to 120mg a day depending on how well it works for you

Doses are usually lower for children, older people and people with liver problems.

Each tablet or capsule contains 15mg or 30mg of lansoprazole.

How to take it

Swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a drink of water or juice.

If you have problems swallowing capsules, you can open lansoprazole capsules and mix the granules inside with a little water or fruit juice, or sprinkle them onto soft food, such as yogurt or apple puree, to help you swallow them.

Lansoprazole also comes as dispersible tablets that melt in your mouth.

Changes to your dose

Sometimes your doctor will increase your dose of lansoprazole if it's not working well enough.

Depending on the reason you take lansoprazole, you may take a higher dose to begin with, usually for a month or 2.

After this, your doctor may recommend that you take a lower dose.

How long to take it for

Depending on your condition, you may only need to take lansoprazole for a few weeks or months. Sometimes you might need to take it for longer, even many years.

Some people do not need to take lansoprazole every day and take it only when they have symptoms. Once you feel better (often after a few days or weeks), you can stop taking it.

Taking lansoprazole for a short time to treat symptoms is not suitable for everyone. Discuss with your doctor what is best for you.

If you forget to take it

If you usually take lansoprazole:

  • once a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is within 12 hours of your next dose in which case skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time
  • twice a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is within 4 hours of your next dose in which case skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

It is very unlikely that taking 1 or 2 extra doses of lansoprazole will cause any problems.

If you take an extra dose, you might get some of the common side effects. If this happens or you're concerned, contact your doctor.

Side effects

Most people who take lansoprazole do not have any side effects. If you do get a side effect, it is usually mild and will go away when you stop taking lansoprazole.

Common side effects

These common side effects may happen in more than 1 in 100 people.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • headaches
  • feeling sick
  • diarrhoea or being sick (vomiting)
  • stomach pain
  • constipation
  • wind
  • itchy skin rashes
  • feeling dizzy or tired
  • dry mouth or throat

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Call a doctor or contact 111 straight away if you have:

  • joint pain along with a red skin rash, especially in parts of your body exposed to the sun, such as your arms, cheeks and nose (this may be less noticeable on brown or black skin) – these can be signs of a rare condition called subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. This can happen even if you've been taking lansoprazole for a long time
  • stomach pain that seems to be getting worse – this can be a sign of an inflamed liver or pancreas
  • severe or persistent diarrhoea – this can be a sign of an inflamed bowel

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to lansoprazole.

These are not all the side effects of lansoprazole. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

How to cope with side effects of lansoprazole

What to do about:

  • headaches – make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. It's best not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking lansoprazole. Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe.
  • feeling sick – it may help to not eat rich or spicy food while you're taking lansoprazole.
  • diarrhoea or being sick (vomiting) – drink plenty of water or squash by having small, frequent sips to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea or vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. If diarrhoea does not get better, talk to your doctor. If you take contraceptive pills and you're being sick or have severe diarrhoea, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.
  • stomach pain – try to rest and relax. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help. If you are in a lot of pain, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
  • constipation – get more fibre into your diet such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Try to exercise more regularly, for example, by going for a daily walk or run. If this does not help, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
  • wind – try not to eat foods that cause wind like lentils, peas, beans and onions. It might also help to eat smaller and more frequent meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. Some pharmacy remedies, such as simeticone, may help relieve the symptoms of wind.
  • itchy skin rashes – it may help to take an antihistamine which you can buy from a pharmacy. Check with the pharmacist to see what type is suitable for you.
  • feeling dizzy or tired – if lansoprazole makes you feel dizzy or tired, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you're feeling tired. Do not drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.
  • dry mouth or throat – chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Lansoprazole is not usually recommended if you're pregnant because there is little information about its use during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend a similar medicine called omeprazole instead as there is more safety information available.

You may wish to treat your symptoms without taking medicine. You can try eating smaller meals more often, and avoiding fatty and spicy foods. Sit up straight when you eat, as this will take the pressure off your stomach.

If you get symptoms at night, you could prop your head and shoulders up when you go to bed. This helps to stop stomach acid coming up while you sleep.

Lansoprazole and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, it's OK to take lansoprazole while you're breastfeeding.

It is not known how much passes into breast milk but it's likely to be a very small amount and your baby will not absorb a lot into their body from the breast milk.

It is unlikely that lansoprazole will cause any side effects in your baby.

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines and lansoprazole can affect each other and make it more likely that you will have side effects or stop one of the medicines working as well.

Tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before you start lansoprazole treatment:

  • digoxin (a heart medicine)
  • antifungal medicines such as itraconazole, ketoconazole or posaconazole
  • methotrexate (a medicine that treats psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis)
  • HIV medicines
  • phenytoin (an epilepsy medicine)
  • rifampicin (an antibiotic)
  • clopidogrel or warfarin (medicines to prevent or treat blood clots)
  • fluvoxamine (an antidepressant)

These are not all the medicines that may not mix well with lansoprazole. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

Mixing lansoprazole with herbal remedies and supplements

Do not take St John's wort, the herbal remedy for depression, while you're taking lansoprazole. St John's wort may stop lansoprazole working as well as it should.

There's not enough information to say that other complementary medicines and herbal remedies are safe to take with lansoprazole. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

Related links

Heartburn and acid reflux — Link to Related Condition

Indigestion — Link to Related Condition

Stomach ulcer — Link to Related Condition

HealthUnlocked: lansoprazole forum — Link to Useful Resource

Guts UK: digestive disorders charity — Link to Useful Resource

Campaign Against Reflux Disease (CARD): charity — Link to Useful Resource

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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1,129 public posts

Lansoprazole

Any thoughts or experiences related to Lansoprazole or Gastritis would be appreciated.
Any thoughts or experiences related to Lansoprazole or Gastritis would be appreciated.
Teddy36 profile image
Teddy36
in IBS Network
27 days ago

lansoprazole/ levo

Does anyone here take lansoprazole and levo? If so, I was just wondering how you managed this for timings Thank you
Does anyone here take lansoprazole and levo? If so, I was just wondering how you managed this for timings Thank you
Daisydoo2 profile image
Daisydoo2
in Thyroid UK
7 days ago

MTX/Sulphasalazine, heart burn and weird sensory side effects.

I took lansoprazole with the naproxen as directed. In December I was given a course of steroids and came off naproxen/lansoprazole. I had acid reflux and assumed it was in part due to eating too much Christmas chocolate.
I took lansoprazole with the naproxen as directed. In December I was given a course of steroids and came off naproxen/lansoprazole. I had acid reflux and assumed it was in part due to eating too much Christmas chocolate.
Gottarelax profile image
Gottarelax
in NRAS
13 days ago
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Omeprazole - or Lansoprazole

However: when I collected my last repeat prescription I see that this time it’s Lansoprazole - and it’s 30mg instead of 20! And to take it between 30-60 mins before food, whereas the Omeprazole never said that! Any advice please?
However: when I collected my last repeat prescription I see that this time it’s Lansoprazole - and it’s 30mg instead of 20! And to take it between 30-60 mins before food, whereas the Omeprazole never said that! Any advice please?
Doraflora profile image
Doraflora
in PMRGCAuk
1 month ago

Rivaroxaban and PPI

To those of you taking Rivaroxaban, have you all been advised to take a PPI as well , such as Omeprazole, Lansoprazole? Maybe I should add , even though you have not been suffering from reflux or similar condition.
To those of you taking Rivaroxaban, have you all been advised to take a PPI as well , such as Omeprazole, Lansoprazole? Maybe I should add , even though you have not been suffering from reflux or similar condition.
Jalia profile image
Jalia
in AF Association
28 days ago

Lansoprazole and Omeprazole

Hi, I’m wondering if anyone else has has similar experiences with either Lansoprazole and Omeprazole. I was initially prescribed 30 mg daily of Lansoprazole because of having to take daily aspirin which can cause problems because of excess acid production.
Hi, I’m wondering if anyone else has has similar experiences with either Lansoprazole and Omeprazole. I was initially prescribed 30 mg daily of Lansoprazole because of having to take daily aspirin which can cause problems because of excess acid production.
Wilko110150 profile image
Wilko110150
in British Heart Foundation
4 months ago

ppis and osteoporosis

I am taking lansoprazole 30mgs daily, but I have been reading that ppis not good for osteoporosis as mine is severe, my appointment with endocrinologist is not till 7th Feb.
I am taking lansoprazole 30mgs daily, but I have been reading that ppis not good for osteoporosis as mine is severe, my appointment with endocrinologist is not till 7th Feb.
Radars profile image
Radars
in Bone Health
3 months ago

Long term lansoprazole use

My question is regarding lansoprazole. I was prescribed it when the aspirin and then the clopidogrel I take for ET was causing issues with my stomach lining. Now, it's my understanding that long - term use can cause malabsorption issues.
My question is regarding lansoprazole. I was prescribed it when the aspirin and then the clopidogrel I take for ET was causing issues with my stomach lining. Now, it's my understanding that long - term use can cause malabsorption issues.
LRH77 profile image
LRH77
in MPN Voice
3 months ago

Angioplasty tomorrow...in urgent need of advice asap pls

Since taking just one dose of Lansoprazole 5 days ago I have continually had stomach cramps, excess flatulence and constant diarrhoea. which are side effects of Lansoprazole so there is no way I could take it again.
Since taking just one dose of Lansoprazole 5 days ago I have continually had stomach cramps, excess flatulence and constant diarrhoea. which are side effects of Lansoprazole so there is no way I could take it again.
DizzyD profile image
DizzyD
in AF Association
6 days ago

Medication cocktail

My heart attack was in October, 4 stents inserted & now on the following cocktail of prescribed medications: Aspirin, Atorvastatin, Lansoprazole 30mg, Ramipril 25mg, Prasugrel 10mg, Nicorandil 20mg & Tildiem 300mg.
My heart attack was in October, 4 stents inserted & now on the following cocktail of prescribed medications: Aspirin, Atorvastatin, Lansoprazole 30mg, Ramipril 25mg, Prasugrel 10mg, Nicorandil 20mg & Tildiem 300mg.
Blindheart profile image
Blindheart
in British Heart Foundation
8 days ago

AF AND Acid Reflux

hi I’m 75 suffer with AF on Apixaban and bisoprolo, I suffer badly with acid stomach, been taking lansoprazole every day which controlled it, but Dr wants me to take it only when needed, ( for me that’s every day) and take peptic liquid instead, I’m struggling with this, has anyone any advise, Thanks
hi I’m 75 suffer with AF on Apixaban and bisoprolo, I suffer badly with acid stomach, been taking lansoprazole every day which controlled it, but Dr wants me to take it only when needed, ( for me that’s every day) and take peptic liquid instead, I’m struggling with this, has anyone any advise, Thanks
Casablanca48 profile image
Casablanca48
in AF Association
10 days ago

Supplementary question re Lansoprazole

I have been very interested in the responses to the question posed by crochetgardener as I have been on Lansoprazole ever since I was diagnosed in 2020, and I organise my whole morning around taking it before my breakfast - something which I’ve got used to, and it causes me no significant inconvenience
I have been very interested in the responses to the question posed by crochetgardener as I have been on Lansoprazole ever since I was diagnosed in 2020, and I organise my whole morning around taking it before my breakfast - something which I’ve got used to, and it causes me no significant inconvenience
calibriel profile image
calibriel
in PMRGCAuk
3 months ago

Blood clot in chamber

I've had mine over 6 months and it's 2cm by 1.2 cm .My warfarin has been increased,I'm o cloidogrel, empagliflozin Atorvastatin Bisoprolol enpererlone lansoprazole entresto. My clot has mobility so feeling very apprehensive . Thank you
I've had mine over 6 months and it's 2cm by 1.2 cm .My warfarin has been increased,I'm o cloidogrel, empagliflozin Atorvastatin Bisoprolol enpererlone lansoprazole entresto. My clot has mobility so feeling very apprehensive . Thank you
NikiHarky profile image
NikiHarky
in British Heart Foundation
2 days ago

lansoprazole side effects or IBS!

I had some lansoprazole left over so started taking that but it didn't seem to be as effective so my GP prescribed me 30mg once daily however 3 days in and I have experienced horrible diarrhoea and cramping. the GP has advised to stop the lansoprazole to see if it's causing it but it's left me scared
I had some lansoprazole left over so started taking that but it didn't seem to be as effective so my GP prescribed me 30mg once daily however 3 days in and I have experienced horrible diarrhoea and cramping. the GP has advised to stop the lansoprazole to see if it's causing it but it's left me scared
Jaby86 profile image
Jaby86
in Acid Reflux Support
5 months ago

Night time reflux?

I am going to start taking my Lansoprazole at bedtime instead of the morning. I will let you know how it goes after a week.
I am going to start taking my Lansoprazole at bedtime instead of the morning. I will let you know how it goes after a week.
AHG123 profile image
AHG123
in Acid Reflux Support
2 months ago

Nose bleeds

I had a HA in December and been on various meds (Atorvastatin 80mg, Clopidogrel 75mg, Lansoprazole 30mg, Ramipril 2.5mg, Riveraxaban 20mg). Wondered if anyone had the same thing or some info on why these bleeds have started? Cheers
I had a HA in December and been on various meds (Atorvastatin 80mg, Clopidogrel 75mg, Lansoprazole 30mg, Ramipril 2.5mg, Riveraxaban 20mg). Wondered if anyone had the same thing or some info on why these bleeds have started? Cheers
Eagle69 profile image
Eagle69
in British Heart Foundation
14 days ago

Extreme stomach issues

I’m currently on: Prasugral Ramipril Atorvastatin Asprin 75mg Tildiem Lansoprazole Mebeveerine And also cocodamol if the angina attacks; Currently very much constipated and extreme flatulence. Taking prunes daily in my porridge and loads of fruit through the day.
I’m currently on: Prasugral Ramipril Atorvastatin Asprin 75mg Tildiem Lansoprazole Mebeveerine And also cocodamol if the angina attacks; Currently very much constipated and extreme flatulence. Taking prunes daily in my porridge and loads of fruit through the day.
Blindheart profile image
Blindheart
in British Heart Foundation
2 months ago

Back pain and severe osteoporosis

anyone get back pain with osteoporosis and goes off with rest, what is best for pain, I have a appointment with endocrinology on 7th Feb,regarding meds probably zoledronic acid, but it's a while away, I don't know if I am absorbing nutrients like calcium, ppis i am taking lansoprazole 30mgs don't
anyone get back pain with osteoporosis and goes off with rest, what is best for pain, I have a appointment with endocrinology on 7th Feb,regarding meds probably zoledronic acid, but it's a while away, I don't know if I am absorbing nutrients like calcium, ppis i am taking lansoprazole 30mgs don't
Radars profile image
Radars
in Bone Health
3 months ago

Advice please… lansoprazole

hi guys, my symptoms are: - crackling noises in chest when breathing - burning sensation in chest and back Doctor has put me on lansoprazole, I have been taken it now for 1 week. The burning has decreased, but no change with the crackling/ bubbling. The noise it makes is audible.
hi guys, my symptoms are: - crackling noises in chest when breathing - burning sensation in chest and back Doctor has put me on lansoprazole, I have been taken it now for 1 week. The burning has decreased, but no change with the crackling/ bubbling. The noise it makes is audible.
MrsGibbons30 profile image
MrsGibbons30
in Acid Reflux Support
5 months ago

side effects of Digoxin

can I stop taking digoxin as it makes me breathless and I take lansoprazole and I have to take this because of Hiatus Hernia . I’ve got to take Bisoprolol and Apixaban in morning and afternoon also water tablet
can I stop taking digoxin as it makes me breathless and I take lansoprazole and I have to take this because of Hiatus Hernia . I’ve got to take Bisoprolol and Apixaban in morning and afternoon also water tablet
Garden3slids profile image
Garden3slids
in British Heart Foundation
4 months ago
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