Everything You Need to Know About Lansoprazole: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More
Doctor explains everything you need to know about lansoprazole, from its uses and who can take it to potential side effects and administration tips. Perfect for both patients and medical professionals.
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Topic Breakdown
In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of a widely used medication known as lansoprazole. Whether you're a patient seeking more information or a medical professional looking to expand your knowledge, this post will cover everything you need to know, including what lansoprazole is, who can and can't take it, how to take it, potential side effects, and more.
Lansoprazole is a type of medication known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Proton pumps are enzymes located in the lining of your stomach that produce acid, which aids in digesting food. By blocking these proton pumps, lansoprazole reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes, making it an effective treatment for conditions like indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Additionally, it can be used to prevent and treat stomach ulcers.
In the UK, lansoprazole is only available via prescription, meaning a doctor must prescribe it before you can start taking it. It typically comes in the form of capsules and tablets.
Now, who can and can't take lansoprazole? Most adults and children can safely take this medication, but it isn't suitable for everyone. If you've ever had an allergic reaction to lansoprazole, have liver problems, or are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should avoid it. Additionally, if you're scheduled for an endoscopy, consult your doctor about whether you should pause the medication. Lansoprazole can obscure some conditions that might otherwise be identified during an endoscopy.
Let's talk about how and when to take lansoprazole. It's crucial to follow your doctor's specific instructions, but generally, most people take it once a day, first thing in the morning. Some might need to take it twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening. Lansoprazole works best if taken at least 30 minutes before a meal or snack, as food can interfere with its absorption. You can take it by swallowing the tablet whole with a glass of water or juice.
Lansoprazole typically comes in 15 and 30 milligram capsules, and the dosage will vary depending on the individual and their specific condition. For example, doses for indigestion, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers range from 15 to 30 milligrams per day. For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the dose may start at 60 milligrams a day and can increase to 120 milligrams if necessary.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, you can open them and mix the granules inside with a small amount of water or fruit juice or sprinkle them onto soft foods like yogurt or apple puree. Depending on your condition, you may need to take lansoprazole for a few weeks, months, or even years. Usually, once you start feeling better, which can be within a few days or weeks, you can stop taking it, but always consult your doctor before making any changes.
As with most medications, lansoprazole can have side effects. Most people experience mild side effects that go away once they stop taking the medication. Common side effects, occurring in more than 1 in 100 people, include headaches, which can be managed by resting, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol. If headaches persist for more than a week or are severe, consult your doctor.
Other common side effects include feeling sick, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, and wind. For nausea, avoid rich or spicy foods. For diarrhea and vomiting, stay hydrated by drinking small, frequent sips of water or squash. If diarrhea persists, speak to your doctor. Stomach pain can often be alleviated by eating and drinking slowly and having smaller, more frequent meals. A heat pad or hot water bottle on your stomach may also help. For constipation and wind, avoid foods that cause gas, like lentils and onions, and eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Serious side effects are rare, occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 people. These can include joint pain with red skin rashes, severe stomach pain, or persistent diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. In very rare cases, lansoprazole can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, characterized by swelling of the tongue, lips, and face. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding, lansoprazole is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to limited information on its safety. Your doctor may suggest an alternative medication like omeprazole. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor, but it's generally considered safe as only a small amount passes into breast milk.
If you have any questions or want to share your experiences with lansoprazole, please leave a comment below. If you found this post helpful, consider liking it and subscribing to our channel for more medical education content. And if you're looking to scale your medical brand on YouTube or want to sponsor our videos with your products, feel free to book a consultation. Thank you for reading, and take care.
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