Lansoprazole

What is Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is a prescription-only treatment for heartburn. The active ingredient shares the same name as the product - Lansoprazole.

It helps to prevent the pain and discomfort of heartburn by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach during digestion.

Lansoprazole is available to order online from Prescription Doctor, following a short consultation with our doctor. A prescription can be issued online for our UK registered pharmacy to fulfil.

Our UK based pharmacy will dispatch your item in discreet packaging to ensure your privacy. Items are dispatched straight to your door via a next-day delivery service, to ensure you get relief from heartburn as soon as possible.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). This is a condition where stomach acid rises into the oesophagus. It can happen when the lower oesophageal sphincter, a muscle which prevents the stomach contents from reaching the oesophagus, becomes weakened or relaxed.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is the American spelling of Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, GORD.

When the inner lining of the oesophagus is exposed to stomach acid, the oesophageal tissue can become inflamed and damaged.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can also cause asthma symptoms to flare up.

If you are asthmatic and have gastroesophageal reflux disease, speak to your doctor or asthma nurse about managing your GORD symptoms.

Symptoms of heartburn include:

• Burning pain in the chest
• Pain at the back of the throat
• Recurrent coughing or hiccups
• Sour taste in the mouth

While heartburn itself is not a serious condition, stomach acid can damage the cells in the oesophagus which carries risks of further complications, such as Barrett's oesophagus. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about developing Barrett's oesophagus as a result of chronic GORD.

There are steps you can take to prevent heartburn from developing, such as:

• Avoid foods which might trigger heartburn or indigestion
• Avoid lying down straight after a meal
• Eat food slowly
• Reduce the amount of food you eat before bed

Other possible causes of heartburn include:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen)
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• Stress

If you believe a medication you are taking is causing heartburn, speak to your doctor or ask a pharmacist for advice. They may be able to recommend or prescribe a heartburn treatment for you.

For relief from heartburn, Lansoprazole can be prescribed.

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How does Lansoprazole work?

When you eat food, contractions in the oesophagus push the chewed-up food (known as bolus) down into the stomach through the lower oesophageal sphincter, where the lower oesophagus meets the stomach.

As the food approaches the stomach, it triggers nerves which stimulate the sphincter to relax, allowing the food bolus to enter the stomach. Once the food is in the stomach, the sphincter closes to prevent stomach acid from moving into the oesophagus.

In some people, the lower oesophageal sphincter is weakened and doesn't provide a tight enough seal to prevent stomach acid from reaching the sensitive tissue of the oesophagus. This causes stomach acid to enter the oesophagus, resulting in the distinct burning sensation.

Foods high in fat, including chocolate, cheese and whole milk, can weaken the lower oesophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of heartburn. Foods which take longer to digest, such as spicy foods, can also increase your risk of oesophageal reflux. Acidic and spicy foods might also worsen your heartburn symptoms.

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor which works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

It prevents cells in the lining of the stomach from producing excessive stomach acid.

By reducing excess acid in the stomach, the chances of developing heartburn are reduced.

How long does Lansoprazole take to work?

You should notice your heartburn symptoms reduce within 2 or 3 days of taking Lansoprazole.

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How do I take Lansoprazole?

For the treatment of heartburn and indigestion, take one 15 mg or one 30 mg gastro-resistant capsule in the morning before breakfast. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. It is recommended to take Lansoprazole at least 30 minutes before a meal.

A typical dose for gastroesophageal reflux disease is one 30 mg capsule daily for 4 weeks. Your doctor will prescribe a starting dose appropriate for you.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, you can empty the contents of the capsule into a glass of water or juice and drink it immediately. Alternatively, you can mix the capsule's contents into soft food to make it easier to take.

If you are unsure about how much you should take, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

What if I forget to take Lansoprazole?

If you forget to take Lansoprazole when you should, take it as soon as you remember.

Do not take more Lansoprazole to make up for the dose you missed.

What if I take more Lansoprazole than I should?

If you accidentally take more Lansoprazole than you should, inform your doctor, especially if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Disorientation
• Flushed skin
• Increased heartbeat
• Sleepiness
• Sweating

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Lansoprazole side effects and cautions

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody gets them. It is important to familiarise yourself with the patient information leaflet which comes enclosed with your medicine.

You can view the patient information leaflet for Lansoprazole online.

Common side effects of Lansoprazole include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Flatulence
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects associated with Lansoprazole. Read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine for a full list of side effects.

Allergies

Do not take Lansoprazole if you have previously had an allergic reaction to Lansoprazole or similar medicines, or if you are allergic to any of its ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Excessive sweating
• Fever
• Raised skin rash (hives)
• Severe drop in blood pressure
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat

Who should not take Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is not suitable for everybody. Before taking Lansoprazole, speak to your doctor if you are also taking any of the following medications:

• Antacids
• Clopidogrel
• Digoxin
• Fluvoxamine
• HIV medicines
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Methotrexate
• Phenytoin
• Rifampicin
• St John's wort
• Sucralfate
• Tacrolimus
• Theophylline

Please inform our prescriber of any medicine you take, including those prescribed by your doctor and those bought over-the-counter, including health and herbal supplements, before you buy Lansoprazole. Our doctors will determine whether the treatment is safe for you.

Other safety information

Always speak to your doctor before you buy Lansoprazole online from Prescription Doctor.

Never take Lansoprazole past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of the specified month.

Do not throw away medicine via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose of them safely on your behalf.

Always store medicines out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they are experiencing the same or similar symptoms to you.

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Frequently asked questions

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Additional resources

What's the difference between omeprazole and lansoprazole?