What is lansoprazole used for?

Simply put, your stomach has one job. That is to break down and digest the food you eat. One way it can do this is with acid held in your stomach, known as gastric acid. This acid is naturally created by your stomach lining and is controlled by your nervous system and hormone activity in your body. Your body naturally regulates the amount of acid produced in your stomach, but sometimes it can produce too much.

What causes too much stomach acid?

Some of the most common causes include:

• Rebound acid hypersecretion

• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

• Helicobacter pylori infection

• Chronic kidney failure

• Gastric outlet obstruction

It’s also important to note that sometimes a specific cause of high stomach acid can’t be identified. When the cause of a condition cannot be determined, it’s referred to as idiopathic. 

What are the symptoms of too much stomach acid?

There are quite a few signs that you may be suffering from a high stomach acid:

• Bloating

• Abdominal discomfort

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Heartburn

• Diarrhea

• A decreased appetite

• Random, unexplained weight loss

These symptoms are quite similar to that of other common digestive conditions so it’s always a good idea to see a doctor so you can distinguish between the two and then proceed to seek out the correct treatment. 

What is lansoprazole?

If you’re suffering with a high stomach acid problem, then Lansoprazole is a great option to help you. Lansoprazole is a medication that reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. It’s often used for indigestion problems, heartburn, acid reflux and for the prevention of stomach ulcers. 

The majority of people who take lansoprazole do not suffer with any side effects and those that do, find that the side effect does go away once they’ve stopped taking the medication.

Common side effects

• 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 are very rare. However, if you suffer from the below side effects whilst taking lansoprazole, you must call a doctor immediately.

Serious side effects

• 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

• Stomach pain that seems to be getting worse

How do I use Lansoprazole?

Swallow, gnaw or chew it. If you are unable to swallow it, the capsule contents can be mixed with apple or orange juice, and then swallow the whole mixture. Do not chew the granules.

To administer the capsule via the NGT or nasogastric tube, open the capsule and mix the contents with approximately forty (40) milliliters of apple juice. Do not add any other liquids. Pour the mixture on the NGT tube. Then start to flush the mixture with more juice to rinse out all the medication and lead them to the stomach of the patient.

Who can take Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole can be taken by both adults and children, but it isn’t suitable for some people. You must tell your doctor if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to lansoprazole or any other medication in the past

• Have had/currently have any liver problems

• Are due to have an endoscopy

If you are having 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. Lansoprazole is generally not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

How do I buy Lansoprazole online?

You can safely buy Lansoprazole online at UK Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before you can buy lansoprazole. The online consultation will ensure that Lansoprazole is the right medication for your medical condition.