WHAT IS LANSOPRAZOLE?
Lansoprazole is a drug which causes lower acid production in the stomach. It belongs to a family of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Lansoprazole is sold under various trade names, some of which are Prevacid, Lanzap (made by Dr. Reddy?s Laboratories) and Lanzol (made by Cipla).
Lansoprazole is primarily used in the treatment and prevention of peptic (stomach) and intestinal ulcers. It is also prescribed for people with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other similar conditions characterized by excessive amount of acid production in the stomach such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. This medication is used for the treatment of erosive esophagitis, a condition in which the stomach acid reaches the esophagus and damages it. This medication will however, not give immediate relief from heartburn.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LANSOPRAZOLE:
Lansoprazole (Prevacid, Lanzap, Lanzol) will not give you instant relief from heartburn. There are other medications for that purpose; use them. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to Lansoprazole. If you are also taking Sucralfate, make sure that you don?t take it at the same time as Lansoprazole. Sucralfate can obstruct the proper absorption of this medication. Ensure an interval of 30 minutes between both medications.
Do not use over the counter Lansoprazole without medical advice if you have these problems: pain or trouble while swallowing, bloody or black stools, blood in vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, heartburn that has persisted for over 3 months, frequent chest pain, heartburn accompanied by wheezing, unusual weight loss, any metabolic problem, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, or an electrolyte imbalance.
Initial symptoms of heart attack are often misunderstood as heartburn. Get immediate and urgent medical attention if you have chest pain with pain advancing to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.
Some peptic conditions are treated with a combination of Lansoprazole and antibiotics. Always follow the directions of your doctor. A patient leaflet is provided with all medications. Read the instructions in it carefully. Do not alter the prescribed dosages in any way unless your doctor advises you to do so. Complete the full course of Lansoprazole even if your symptoms have subsided. Symptoms go even before your body is free from all infection.
Your doctor may review the safe use of Lansoprazole if you have liver disease or low levels of magnesium in your blood. Lansoprazole is not meant for children below 1 year of age.
BEFORE TAKING LANSOPRAZOLE:
Take care of all precautions and points mentioned above before taking Lansoprazole (Prevacid, Lanzap, Lanzol) and discuss them with your doctor and clarify any doubts you may have about it. Notify your doctor beforehand if you have severe liver disease or magnesium deficiency so that he or she can judge whether it is safe for you to take Lansoprazole.
Taking a proton pump inhibitor like Lansoprazole may put you on a risk of bone fracture in hip, wrist, or spine. This side effect has been observed in people who have taken the medication for a long time or at high doses, and in those who are 50 years or age or more. It is not known properly if Lansoprazole is the actual reason behind the risk of bone fractures. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone mineral density).
Lansoprazole is an FDA pregnancy category B drug which means it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby if it is taken during pregnancy. Notify your doctor about your pregnancy or any plan to become pregnant in the near future. It is not known if Lansoprazole can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Never take this medication without your doctor?s advice if you are breast feeding.
HOW SHOULD I TAKE LANSOPRAZOLE?
Take Lansoprazole (Prevacid, Lanzap, Lanzol) acid reducer strictly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions printed on the medication label. Lansoprazole is normally taken before eating. Avoid breaking or crushing a delayed-release Lansoprazole pill and swallow it whole. Breaking or crushing the pill may cause too much drug to be released at once.
If you are unable to swallow a Lansoprazole capsule, open it and put the medication inside it into a spoonful of pudding, yogurt, or anything you like. Swallow the mixture of food and medication right away; don?t keep it for too long for later use. You may also put a Lansoprazole capsule with 2 oz. of apple juice, orange juice, or any juice you like. Ensure that the medication dissolves properly in the juice.
In case of an orally disintegrating tablet of Lansoprazole, use dry hands to remove the tablet from the packet and place it in your mouth. Let the tablet dissolve in your mouth. Don?t chew; swallow multiple times as the tablet disintegrates.
Always store Lansoprazole medication in a cool and dry place.
WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?
If you miss a dose of Lansoprazole, take it as soon as you remember. Don?t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.
WHAT IF I OVERDOSE?
In case of an overdose of Lansoprazole, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immedaitely.
THINGS AND ACTIVITIES TO AVOID WHILE TAKING LANSOPRAZOLE:
Lansoprazole medication (Prevacid, Lanzap, Lanzol) can cause diarrhea, which may indicate a new infection. If you have a watery or bloody diarrhea, stop taking this medication and seek medical help immediately. Don?t take medication for diarrhea without your doctor?s advice.
If you are also taking Sucralfate, make sure that you don?t take it at the same time as Lansoprazole. Sucralfate can obstruct the proper absorption of this medication. Ensure an interval of 30 minutes between both the medications. Your doctor may advise some restrictions regarding food, beverages and activities. Obey him or her strictly.
SIDE EFFECTS OF LANSOPRAZOLE:
• Get emergency medical help if you get some allergic reactions to Lansoprazole (Prevacid, Lanzap, Lanzol) like skin hives, breathing difficulty, swelling in face, lips, tongue, or throat.
•Lansoprazole may lead to low magnesium, symptoms of which are dizziness, confusion, feeling jittery, irregular and fast heart rate, jerking muscle movements, watery or bloody diarrhea, muscle cramps or weakness, limp feeling, cough or choking, or seizure. Stop taking Lansoprazole if you get those symptoms and contact your doctor right away.
SERIOUS
• Lansoprazole are headache
• Rash or itching on skin
• Upset stomach
• Insomnia or mild diarrhea
The side effects mentioned above are not all the side effects reported or experienced due to Lansoprazole.
LANSOPRAZOLE DOSING INFORMATION:
Lansoprazole dosage will be fixed by your doctor after examining you properly. Dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Stick to your doctor?s prescription strictly.
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS:
These drugs can interact with Lansoprazole (Prevacid, Lanzap, Lanzol): atazanavir, ampicillin, digoxin, iron medication, methotrexate, ketoconazole. Theophylline, a blood thinner like warfarin, or a diuretic. The drugs mentioned thus are not all the possible drugs which can interact with Lansoprazole. There may be others as well. Share the list of all types of medications and related products which you are using with your doctor and never start a new medication without his or her advice.
