What is lansoprazole used for?

Lansoprazole is a widely used medication that helps manage stomach acid-related conditions. It is commonly prescribed to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach, providing relief for conditions such as indigestion, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers. In this guide, we'll explore the uses of lansoprazole, how it works, and important considerations when using it.

Key Takeaways

What It’s For

Lansoprazole is a medicine that reduces stomach acid to help treat problems like heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers.

How It Works

It blocks the part of your stomach that makes acid, which stops the burning and pain caused by too much acid.

How to Take It

• Take it once a day before eating.

• Swallow the capsule whole with water (or mix it with juice if you can’t swallow it).

• If you feel worse or get serious side effects, see a doctor.

Always speak to your doctor before using it to make sure it’s safe for you.

What Causes Too Much Stomach Acid?

Stomach acid is naturally produced by the stomach lining to help digest food. However, in some cases, the stomach produces too much acid, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and conditions. Several factors may cause excessive stomach acid production, including:

Common Causes of High Stomach Acid:

• Rebound Acid Hypersecretion: This occurs after stopping acid-blocking medications, which causes the stomach to temporarily produce more acid.

• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: A rare condition where tumours cause excessive acid production.

• Helicobacter pylori Infection: A bacterial infection that can irritate the stomach lining and increase acid production.

• Chronic Kidney Failure: Can disrupt normal acid regulation in the body.

• Gastric Outlet Obstruction: Blockages that prevent food from moving properly through the stomach and intestines.

In some cases, no clear cause of high stomach acid can be found, which is referred to as idiopathic.

Symptoms of Too Much Stomach Acid

If you have excessive stomach acid, you may experience various symptoms that can affect your daily life. These may include:

• Bloating

• Abdominal discomfort or pain

• Vomiting or nausea

• Heartburn or acid reflux

• Diarrhoea

• Decreased appetite

• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms are often similar to those of other digestive issues, so it’s important to visit a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and to explore suitable treatment options.

What is Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It is commonly used to treat:

• Indigestion and heartburn

• Acid reflux

• Stomach ulcers

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Prevention of ulcers caused by certain medications

Lansoprazole works by blocking the proton pumps in the stomach, which are responsible for producing stomach acid. By reducing acid production, lansoprazole helps alleviate symptoms and prevents damage to the stomach lining.

Common Side Effects of Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole is generally well-tolerated, and most people do not experience any significant side effects. However, some users may experience mild side effects, which typically resolve after stopping the medication:

• Headaches

• Feeling sick (nausea)

• Diarrhoea or vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Constipation

• Wind or bloating

• Itchy skin rashes

• Feeling dizzy or tired

• Dry mouth or throat

Serious Side Effects:

Serious side effects are rare but may occur. If you experience any of the following, you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Joint pain with a red rash, especially in areas exposed to the sun (e.g., arms, cheeks, nose)

• Worsening stomach pain

How to Use Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole is available in capsule form, and it is typically taken once daily before a meal. You should swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, the contents can be mixed with a small amount of apple or orange juice. It is important not to chew the granules.

If you are using a nasogastric tube (NGT), open the capsule and mix the contents with 40 millilitres of apple juice. Ensure that the mixture is flushed through the tube with additional juice to ensure all the medication reaches the stomach.

Who Can Take Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole can be taken by adults and children, but it may not be suitable for everyone. You should consult your doctor if you:

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

• Have liver problems or a history of liver disease

• Are scheduled to have an endoscopy, as lansoprazole may affect the results

If you are having an endoscopy, ask your doctor if you should stop taking lansoprazole a few weeks before your procedure, as it may mask underlying issues.

Lansoprazole is generally not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Final Thoughts

Lansoprazole is an effective medication for managing excess stomach acid, providing relief for conditions like heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers. It works by reducing stomach acid production, helping to prevent discomfort and potential damage to the digestive system.

If you’re experiencing symptoms related to excess stomach acid, such as heartburn or indigestion, lansoprazole could be a suitable treatment option. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any medication to ensure it’s the right choice for your health needs.