Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole, a powerful medication, might be the solution for persistent heartburn or acid reflux. This widely prescribed drug belongs to a class of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Lansoprazole has revolutionised the treatment of various digestive issues like GERD, stomach ulcers, and other disorders related to excessive stomach acid production. Let’s understand the benefits, proper usage, and potential side effects of the lansoprazole pill.

What is Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole pill is a potent drug that belongs to a category called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This medication plays a crucial role in diminishing gastric acid secretion, making it an effective treatment for various digestive issues.

This reduction in stomach acid significantly impacts several gastrointestinal conditions. Lansoprazole is particularly effective at nurturing healing in ulcerative conditions and treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It also helps manage other pathologies caused by excessive acid secretion.

Lansoprazole Tablet Uses

Doctors prescribe lansoprazole for a range of conditions, such as:

• Discomfort and burning sensation associated with indigestion
• Acid reflux
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
• Lansoprazole prevents stomach ulcers by protecting the stomach lining from excessive acid damage. For those who have already developed stomach ulcers, it aids in the healing, promotes faster recovery and reduces discomfort.
• In some cases, doctors prescribe lansoprazole to treat a rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. This disorder, caused by a tumour in the pancreas or gut, results in excessive production of stomach acid. Lansoprazole helps to manage this condition by reducing the amount of acid produced.

How to Use Lansoprazole

Proper usage of lansoprazole is crucial for its effectiveness. Patients should take this medicine exactly as directed by their doctor, not exceeding the prescribed dosage, frequency, or duration of treatment.

• Swallow the capsule whole without crushing, breaking, or chewing it.
• Alternatively, mix the capsule contents with 60 mL of apple, orange, or tomato juice.
• Drink the mixture immediately and refill the cup twice with juice to ensure all medicine is taken.

Using lansoprazole with a nasogastric (NG) tube:

• Open the capsule and mix its contents with 40 mL of apple juice.
• Inject or pour this mix into the nasogastric tube.

Lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet instructions:

• Ensure your hands are dry before handling the oral disintegrating tablet. Allow it to dissolve into particles and swallow immediately.

Side Effects of Lansoprazole Tablet

Lansoprazole, like any medication, can have side effects. The most frequent side effects include:

• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Constipation

While less common, some serious side effects may occur and require immediate medical attention:

• Kidney Problems: Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis can develop at any time during treatment. Patients should watch for decreased urine output or blood in the urine and contact their doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.
• Antibiotic-associated Diarrhoea: An overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) in the gut can happen during lansoprazole treatment. Symptoms include Watery diarrhoea that doesn't go away, severe stomach cramps, fever, or blood in the stool.

Severe Skin Reactions: Lansoprazole medication can cause severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Symptoms include:

• Painful red or purple skin that peels off
• Flat red rash or blisters on skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
• Red, painful, watery eyes
• Severe Allergic Reaction or anaphylaxis

Other Serious Side Effects:

• Lupus: New or worsening joint pain or rash on arms or cheeks
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency: Sore tongue, weakness, tingling in hands or feet
• Hypomagnesemia: Changes in heart rate, dizziness, muscle spasms, seizures
• Bone loss and fractures: Higher risk in older adults and long-term users
• Severe allergic reactions: Breathing problems, racing heart, swelling of face or throat

Precautions

While effective, lansoprazole requires careful consideration before use. 

• Individuals with allergies to any of its ingredients should avoid this medication. It's crucial to inform doctors about all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements, as lansoprazole medication may interact with them.
• Doctors recommend taking lansoprazole 30-60 minutes before meals to maximise its effectiveness and minimise potential interactions.
• Certain medical conditions require special attention when using lansoprazole. Patients should inform their doctor if they have:
  • Low blood levels of potassium, magnesium, calcium, or sodium
  • Liver problems
  • Phenylketonuria
• Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid this medication.

How Lansoprazole Works

Lansoprazole has an impact on reducing gastric acid secretion through a targeted approach. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and works by focusing on a specific enzyme in the stomach.

The key to lansoprazole's effectiveness lies in its ability to target H+, K+-ATPase, an enzyme crucial in the final step of acid secretion in parietal cells. By inhibiting this enzyme, lansoprazole effectively decreases the acid produced in the stomach. This binding has a long-lasting effect, explaining why PPIs like lansoprazole can provide extended inhibition of acid secretion.

Can I Take Lansoprazole with Other Medicines?

Lansoprazole, a widely prescribed medication, has the potential to interact with numerous other drugs. 

Some commonly used medications that may interact with lansoprazole include: 

• Amphetamine
• Apixaban
• Aspirin (low strength)
• Atorvastatin
• Calcium supplements
• Carbamazepine
• Celecoxib
• Clopidogrel
• Diphenhydramine
• Duloxetine
• Escitalopram
• Rosuvastatin

Dosing Information

Lansoprazole dosage varies based on the condition being treated and the patient's age. Doctors determine the appropriate dose based on individual needs and medical history.

The usual dose for indigestion and acid reflux ranges from 15mg to 30mg per day. The same dosage range applies to the treatment of stomach ulcers. However, for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the initial dose is typically higher at 60mg per day, which can be increased to 120mg per day if necessary. The dosing depends on how well the patient responds to the treatment.

Paediatric dosing for GERD and erosive oesophagitis varies by age and weight:

• Children 1 to 11 years:
• Weighing 30 kg or less: 15 mg once daily
• Weighing over 30 kg: 30 mg once daily
• Treatment duration: Up to 12 weeks
• Children 12 years and older:
• Erosive oesophagitis: 30 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks
• GERD: 15 mg once a day for up to eight weeks

Conclusion

Lansoprazole significantly influences the management of various digestive issues, from common problems like heartburn to more serious conditions such as ulcers and GERD. Its ability to reduce stomach acid secretion makes it an asset in improving the quality of life for many patients. The medication's versatility, combined with its generally well-tolerated nature, has led to its widespread use in treating gastrointestinal disorders.

While lansoprazole is effective, it's crucial to use it under medical supervision and to be aware of potential side effects and interactions. Patients should follow dosing instructions carefully and inform their doctor about all ongoing medications to ensure safe and effective treatment.

FAQ's

1. What is lansoprazole used for?

Lansoprazole helps reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It is used to treat a variety of digestive issues, including:

• Indigestion and heartburn
• Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Erosive oesophagitis 
• Gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers) and duodenal ulcers
• Prevention of gastric ulcers caused by NSAIDs
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Helicobacter pylori infection, in combination with antibiotics

2. Who shouldn't take lansoprazole?

Certain individuals should avoid taking lansoprazole or use it with caution. These include:

• People with allergies to lansoprazole or other proton pump inhibitors
• Those with liver problems
• Pregnant women or those trying to conceive
• Breastfeeding mothers
• Individuals scheduled for an endoscopy

It is vital to inform the doctor about allergies, medical conditions, or medications before starting lansoprazole treatment. 

3. How long can you safely take lansoprazole?

The duration of lansoprazole treatment depends on the condition being treated and individual patient factors. It's important to remember that long-term use of lansoprazole may have some risks, such as low magnesium levels in the blood, bone fractures, gut infections, and vitamin B12 deficiency.

4. Is lansoprazole safe for daily use?

Lansoprazole can be safe for daily use when taken as prescribed by a doctor. However, daily use for extended periods should be under close medical guidance due to potential risks associated with long-term proton pump inhibitor use. 

5. Can I take lansoprazole at night?

You can take lansoprazole at night, but the timing of the dose can affect its efficacy. Studies have shown that taking lansoprazole in the morning is generally more effective for controlling acidity throughout the day, especially during meal-related intervals. Meanwhile, evening dosing may benefit patients with mainly nocturnal symptoms.

A study comparing morning and evening dosing of lansoprazole found that morning dosing decreased 24-hour intragastric acidity to 36% of the placebo value, compared to 42% for evening dosing. Therefore, consult your doctor for proper guidance on your dosing schedule.