Lansoprazole (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Lansoprazole is used to treat ulcers; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus); and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Lansoprazole is used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers. Lansoprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.

How this medication should be used

Lansoprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule and granules to make a delayed-release solution (liquid) to take by mouth. Lansoprazole is usually taken once a day, before eating. When taken in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, lansoprazole is taken twice a day (every 12 hours) or three times a day (every 8 hours) for 10 to 14 days. To help you remember to take lansoprazole, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lansoprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

The capsule should be swallowed whole. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, lansoprazole capsules can be opened, and the granules can be sprinkled on 1 tablespoon of applesauce, Ensure pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, or strained pears and swallowed immediately. The granules should not be chewed or crushed. The capsules can also be emptied into 2 ounces of orange juice or tomato juice, mixed briefly, and swallowed immediately. Rinse the glass with some additional juice and drink immediately.

For patients who have a nasogastric tube, lansoprazole capsules can be opened and the granules mixed in 40 mL of apple juice. The mixture should be injected through the nasogastric tube into the stomach. Then the tube should be flushed with some more apple juice.

To use lansoprazole oral solution, empty the contents of a packet into a container containing 2 tablespoons of water. Stir well and drink immediately. If any granules remain, add more water, stir, and drink immediately. Do not use liquids or foods other than water. Do not crush or chew the granules.

Continue to take lansoprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lansoprazole without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions

Before taking lansoprazole:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lansoprazole or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: ampicillin (Omnipen, Polycillin, Totacillin), digoxin (Lanoxin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), theophylline (Theo-bid, TheoDur), and vitamins containing iron. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• if you are taking sucralfate (Carafate), take it at least 30 minutes after lansoprazole.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking lansoprazole, call your doctor.

Special dietary instructions

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What to do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Lansoprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:

• stomach pain
• diarrhea

Lansoprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Prevacid®
• Prevacid® NapraPAC®
• Prevacid® SoluTab®
• Prevpac®