Lansoprazole

About lansoprazole

This belongs to the group of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors.

Lansoprazole is used to treat certain conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach, These include gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers), duodenal ulcers (ulcers of the upper part of the intestine), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux or heartburn), acid-related dyspepsia (acid indigestion) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Lansoprazole can also be used to treat irritation and ulceration of the stomach caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Acid is produced naturally in the stomach to help digest food. Excessive amounts of acid can irritate the stomach lining, causing inflammation, ulcers and other conditions. lansoprazole works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, relieving pain and helping to repair the damage.

Lansoprazole is available in capsule, orodispersible (melt-in-the-mouth) tablet and powder form.

Brands available include Zoton and Zoton FasTab.

Before taking lansoprazole

Before taking lansoprazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take lansoprazole

• Take lansoprazole exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Lansoprazole can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow lansoprazole capsules whole, not crushed or chewed, with a glass of water.
• Mix lansoprazole powder in water before taking.
• Place lansoprazole orodispersible tablets on the tongue and allow to dissolve before swallowing.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember then continue as normal. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose on time.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of lansoprazole contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not stop taking lansoprazole without speaking to your doctor first.
• Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as lansoprazole. Take them at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of lansoprazole.
• Lansoprazole can cause dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were to become dizzy or were unable to see properly.
• Medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen should not normally be taken with lansoprazole unless your doctor has told you to.
• Lansoprazole can cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If your mouth becomes too dry, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and will aggravate your condition.
• Try to avoid foods that may upset your stomach such as, alcohol, citrus fruits/juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes or spicy food.
• Lansoprazole may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds whilst taking lansoprazole.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside lansoprazole.

Can lansoprazole cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Diarrhoea, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), constipation, flatulence (excess wind), tummy pain, headache, skin rashes, itching, dizziness, swollen extremities (fingers and toes etc.), fever, sweating, unexplained bruising, muscle and joint pain, general feeling of being unwell, blurred vision, depression, dry mouth, thinning of the hair, pins and needles, tiredness, disturbance of taste, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), confusion, enlargement of the breasts in men or sexual problems.

Very occasionally people can have an allergic reaction to lansoprazole. If you develop any swelling of the face or mouth, or experience any breathlessness or an increased heart rate stop taking lansoprazole and contact your doctor at once

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store lansoprazole

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.
• Lansoprazole should be stored at room temperature.

Any more questions?

Look in Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) for a leaflet about your condition

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 07/03/2006