LANSOPRAZOLE (lan SOE pra zole) treats heartburn, stomach ulcers, reflux disease, or other conditions that cause too much stomach acid. It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. It belongs to a group of medications called PPIs.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Liver disease
Low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in the blood
Lupus
Phenylketonuria
An unusual or allergic reaction to lansoprazole, medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take the medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You do not need water to take this medication. Leave the tablet in the sealed pack until you are ready to take it. With dry hands, open the pack and gently remove the tablet. If the tablet breaks or crumbles, throw it away. Use a new tablet. Place the tablet in the mouth and allow it to dissolve. Then, swallow it. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Atazanavir
Nelfinavir
This medication may also interact with the following:
Ampicillin
Delavirdine
Digoxin
Diuretics
Iron salts
Itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, or other prescription medications for fungus or yeast infections
Sucralfate
Theophylline
Warfarin
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Low magnesium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, tremors
Low vitamin B12 level—pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet, muscle weakness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating
Rash on cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun
Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Severe diarrhea, fever
Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Constipation
Diarrhea
Nausea
What should I watch for while using this medication?
It can take several days before your stomach pain gets better. Check with your care team if your condition does not start to get better, or if it gets worse.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
Using this medication for a long time may weaken your bones. The risk of bone fractures may be increased. Talk to your care team about your bone health.
Using this medication for a long time may cause growths (polyps) in the stomach. They usually don't cause any symptoms. They are usually not cancerous. Contact your care team if you notice pain or tenderness when you press your stomach, have nausea, or see bloody or black, tar-like stools.
This medication may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.
If you have phenylketonuria, you should avoid taking this medication which contains phenylalanine. The capsules and syrup forms of this medication are preferred because they do not contain phenylalanine.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
