Zoton FasTab

What are Zoton FasTabs?

Zoton FasTab is a brand of lansoprazole that comes as an orodispersible tablet that dissolves on the tongue. It is used to treat heartburn and other symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), but it can also help with stomach ulcers and protect the stomach when taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.

The treatment belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This class of medication stops stomach cells from producing excessive acid.

How Does Zoton Work?

Zoton FasTabs contain the active ingredient lansoprazole, which works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes. Cells found on the stomach lining have tiny proton pumps that produce gastric (stomach) acid. Lansoprazole inhibits the proton pumps, thereby reducing the production of gastric acid.

By reducing stomach acid, Zoton FasTab helps relieve painful heartburn symptoms. Zoton FasTabs also help stomach ulcers or inflammation heal because less stomach acid means less irritation in your food pipe and stomach.

How Long Does Zoton FasTab Take to Work?

Most people notice an improvement in their symptoms, such as heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion, within 2 to 3 days of starting Zoton FasTab. However, it can take up to 4 weeks to notice the full benefits, especially if you are taking it for stomach ulcers or to heal irritated tissues.

How Effective is Zoton FasTab for Heartburn?

Zoton FasTabs are an effective treatment for acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. One study found that both 15 mg and 30 mg lansoprazole orodispersible tablets were bioequivalent to oral capsules and were a suitable option for people who may have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules.

Research shows a single oral dose of 30 mg of lansoprazole can reduce acid secretion by around 70%, with patients reporting relief after the first dose. This increases to 85% after eight days of continuous treatment. The same research shows that most people with a duodenal ulcer recover within 2 weeks after taking a daily dose of 30 mg Zoton FasTab.

How to Take Zoton

You must take Zoton FasTab exactly as your clinician has told you to. If you are unsure, speak to your doctor, clinician, or pharmacist for advice. You can take Zoton FasTabs by placing them on your tongue or by using a syringe if you have serious difficulties swallowing. For the best results, take Zoton at least 30 minutes before food.

To take Zoton FasTabs, you should:

1. Place the orodispersible tablet on your tongue and suck gently.
2. The tablet will dissolve rapidly on your tongue, releasing microgranules which you should swallow without chewing.

Alternatively, you can swallow the Zoton FasTab whole with a glass of water.

If you need to take Zoton FasTab via a syringe, you should:

1. Remove the plunger from the syringe. You'll need at least a 10 ml syringe for the 30 mg tablet.
2. Put the Zoton FasTab into the barrel of the syringe.
3. Replace the plunger back onto the syringe.
4. For the 30 mg tablet: Draw 10 ml of tap water into the syringe.
5. Invert the syringe and draw in a further 1 ml of air.
6. Gently shake the syringe for 10 to 20 seconds until the tablet has dispersed.
7. Place the syringe in the mouth and press the plunger to empty the contents.
8. Refill the syringe with 2 to 5 ml of tap water to flush the remnants into the mouth.

If you have been prescribed Zoton once a day, you should try to take it at the same time each day, and you may get the best results if you take it first thing in the morning.

If you have been prescribed Zoton twice a day, you should take the first dose in the morning and the second dose in the evening.

How much you need to take depends on why you have been prescribed Zoton FasTabs. Your clinician will confirm how much to take and how often, but here is a guide to Zoton FasTab doses:

• Heartburn: one 30 mg orodispersible tablet every day for 4 weeks. If your symptoms haven't resolved within 4 weeks, see your doctor.
• Duodenal ulcer: one 30 mg orodispersible tablet every day for 2 weeks.
• Stomach ulcer: one 30 mg orodispersible tablet every day for 4 weeks.
• Inflamed oesophagus (oesophagitis): one 30 mg orodispersible tablet every day for 4 weeks.
• Long-term prevention of reflux oesophagitis: one 30 mg orodispersible tablet every day.
• H. pylori infection: The usual dose is one 30 mg orodispersible tablet in combination with two different antibiotics in the morning and one 30 mg orodispersible tablet in combination with two different antibiotics in the evening, usually every day for 7 days.
• Treatment of duodenal or stomach ulcer in patients requiring continued NSAID treatment: one 30 mg orodispersible tablet every day for 4 weeks.
• Prevention of duodenal or stomach ulcer in patients requiring continued NSAID treatment: one 30 mg orodispersible tablet every day.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: The usual dose is two 30 mg orodispersible tablets every day to start, then, depending on how you respond to Zoton, the dose your clinician decides is best for you.

If You Forget to Take Zoton FasTab

If you forget to take a Zoton FasTab, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If it is, skip the missed dose and take the next one as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten orodispersible tablet.

If You Take Too Much Zoton

If you take too much Zoton, speak to a doctor immediately.

Zoton FasTab Side Effects and Cautions

Zoton FasTab can cause side effects in some people. It is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medication and discuss any concerns with your clinician. By understanding the potential adverse effects associated with Zoton FasTab, you will be better equipped to manage them and recognise when you may need to get medical attention.

Possible Side Effects of Zoton FasTab

Not everyone who takes Zoton will get side effects, and for most people who do, they are mild, temporary, and easy to manage. If you get any side effects that are difficult to manage, get worse, or are concerning, contact a doctor for advice.

The above table does not list all the potential side effects of Zoton FasTab 30mg. More details can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet enclosed with the medication. If you experience any adverse reactions, you can report them to your clinician or by using the MHRA's Yellow Card Scheme.

Serious Side Effects of Zoton FasTab

Rarely, Zoton FasTab can cause serious side effects that require urgent medical attention. If you get any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zoton FasTab and contact your doctor or go to the nearest A&E department:

• Severe allergic reactions: symptoms include fever, rash, swollen face, swollen lymph nodes, swollen tongue and/or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, hives, and a drop in blood pressure
• Severe skin reactions that can be life-threatening: reddish target-like, circular patches on the trunk, often with central blisters, skin peeling, mouth ulcers, throat, nose, genitals, and eyes. You may also get flu-like symptoms and fever before these symptoms occur
• Widespread rash, high body temperature, and enlarged lymph nodes
• Low magnesium levels: Can occur if you take Zoton for more than three months; symptoms include fatigue, involuntary muscle contractions, disorientation, convulsions, dizziness, and increased heart rate, and require medical attention
• Low white blood cells: Recurrent infections, infection with fever, or fever with local infection symptoms, such as sore throat/pharynx/mouth or urinary problems, or experience tiredness, pale skin with unexplained bruising or bleeding for longer than normal and requires medical attention
• Inflamed pancreas: sudden, severe pains in the middle of the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back, which may lead to nausea and vomiting
• Severe or persistent diarrhoea: Can be a sign of infectious diarrhoea
• Kidney inflammation: Reduced urine output or blood in your urine

Zoton FasTab Interactions and Warnings

Zoton FasTab may not be suitable for everyone because certain health conditions and medications can make it unsuitable or unsafe. Tell your clinician about any medications or other health conditions during your consultation so they can confirm whether Zoton (lansoprazole) is suitable for you.

Do not take Zoton FasTab if you:

• Are allergic to lansoprazole or any other ingredients listed in this medication
• Are under 18

Precautions Before Taking Zoton

Before taking Zoton, tell the clinician if you:

• Have severe liver disease
• Are due to have a specific blood test called chromogranin A
• Have ever had a skin reaction after treatment with a similar medication that reduces stomach acid
• Have a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Have low levels of vitamin B12 or risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency, especially if you might have to take Zoton long-term

Zoton FasTab 30mg and Other Medicines

Before taking Zoton FasTab, tell the clinician if you are taking any other medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal ones, because they may interact with the active ingredient, lansoprazole. Tell the clinician if you are taking:

• HIV protease inhibitors such as atazanavir and nelfinavir
• methotrexate (used to treat autoimmune disease and cancer)
• ketoconazole, itraconazole, rifampicin (used to treat infections)
• digoxin (used to treat heart problems)
• warfarin (used to treat blood clots)
• theophylline (used to treat asthma)
• tacrolimus (used to prevent transplant rejection)
• fluvoxamine (used to treat depression and other psychiatric diseases)
• antacids (used to treat heartburn or acid regurgitation)
• sucralfate (used for healing ulcers)
• St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) (used to treat mild depression)

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to a doctor before taking Zoton FasTab. You may be able to take lansoprazole while pregnant, but this must be done under the guidance of a clinician.

It may also be possible to take Zoton while breastfeeding, but you should check with a clinician first because a small amount of the active ingredient can pass into your breast milk. Usually, a doctor will recommend omeprazole or pantoprazole as an alternative instead.

If you are unsure, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Zoton FasTab.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zoton FasTab