What is Lansoprazole?
Lansoprazole medications belong to the family of drugs known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs).
For those wondering, “what Lansoprazole is used for?”, they’re indicated for use in treating conditions where it’s required to lower the production of gastric acid secretion in your body.
If you’re curious about what other names Lansoprazole is sold under, NTP-Lansoprazole and Prevacid are the brand names of this medication, but its generic name is simply Lansoprazole. There are no other names Lansoprazole is sold under.
Do you want to learn more about prescription Lansoprazole uses, or how this medication functions? Click here to explore more information.
How does Lansoprazole work?
Lansoprazole medications work by affecting the lining of your stomach, causing it to produce less gastric acid during the digestion process.
It also assists with excess stomach acid building up, so that stomach acid doesn’t collect enough between/after meals to make its way back up into your esophagus, where it could cause damage.
What is Lansoprazole used to treat?
There are a few different uses for Lansoprazole prescriptions, depending on what your practitioner believes could be your underlying condition. Lansoprazole uses include:
- Treatment of reflux esophagitis, which is the inflammation of your throat caused by regurgitation of food/stomach acid
- Treatment of symptomatic Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a disease brought on by chronic acid reflux problems
- Treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, in which your body naturally produces too much stomach acid and leads to symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn
How do you take Lansoprazole?
Lansoprazole dosages (15 or 30mg) are to be taken once daily, before breakfast.
In some cases, your practitioner may prescribe Lansoprazole doses for twice day use. In this case, you should take your Lansoprazole before breakfast, as well as another meal later in the day.
Always follow your clinician’s dosing schedule as accurately as possible, in order to achieve the best possible results from your Lansoprazole treatments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next pill. In that case, skip the missed pill. NEVER double-up or take extra Lansoprazole medications without consulting your practitioner to ensure it’s safe.
How long does Lansoprazole last after you take it?
The plasma-elimination halflife for Lansoprazole medications is only 2 hours, so if you’re curious about, “how long does Lansoprazole take to work?”, it provides some relief typically 1-2 hours after ingestion.
There is some significant improvement usually shown in 2-4 days of consistent use, and it becomes fully effective after 1-2 weeks, as your acid production is gradually reduced.
This is why for many patients, Lansoprazole is recommended for once-a-day treatments, in order to provide your body with a consistent, stable acid inhibitory effect.
For those with severe excess acid or symptom issues, practitioners may suggest twice-per-day dosing, in order to increase the acid inhibitory effects and help reduce symptom intensity.
SIDE NOTE: For clarification, the acid inhibitory effect that Lansoprazole dosages elicit from your body lasts 24 hours individually, but its effects compound over time with consistent use.
What are the common side effects of Lansoprazole?
Most people that use Lansoprazole (15 or 30mg dosages) won’t experience any kind of side effects, or the side effects of their Lansoprazole prescription will be mild and may disappear or lessen over time.
With that in mind, the most common side effects of Lansoprazole include:
- Muscle pain
- Belching
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Bloating or gas
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rashes
- Weakness
If any of these side effects of Lansoprazole become severe, be sure to let your practitioner know. They may be able to suggest alternative medications to Lansoprazole without interactions that cause negative side effects.
There are no commonly occurring serious side effects of Lansoprazole known at this time, but if you do start to experience any severe side effects with Lansoprazole, be sure to contact your practitioner right away.
They may want to adjust your dosage of Lansoprazole from 30mg to 15mg, or suggest a different treatment option that may work better for you.
Who shouldn't take Lansoprazole?
Some people shouldn’t use Lansoprazole for GERD or acid reflux, as negative side effects or interactions could occur. These people include:
- Patients who have an allergy to Lansoprazole or any of the other active ingredients in Lansoprazole prescriptions
- Patients who are breastfeeding (unless its use is considered essential)
In addition, there are some people who should be extra cautious about using Lansoprazole prescriptions, including those who:
- Have severe or chronic diarrhea
- Have a malignant gastric ulcer
- Have kidney problems
- Have liver problems
- Are taking astemizole, terfenadine, or pimozide
- Have unusual or allergic reaction-type responses to taking Lansoprazole
- If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed
Your practitioner may want to suggest alternatives to Lansoprazole without interactions that could cause negative side effects.
What Not to Take with Lansoprazole
There are certain medications that you shouldn’t take while using an online prescription for Lansoprazole in Canada. These medications may cause negative interactions with Lansoprazole.
To be safe, you should always let your practitioner know about any/all medications you’re taking, prior to requesting a new treatment. However, be extra sure to let your practitioner know before requesting Lansoprazole for GERD or acid reflux symptoms if you’re already taking:
- Ampicillin esters
- Atazanavir
- Digoxin
- Iron salts
- Ketoconazole
- Sucralfate
- Theophylline
- Warfarin
Your practitioner may want to assign an alternative treatment option than Lansoprazole if you’re already taking one of these medications.
Can I Take Lansoprazole While Pregnant?
It has been shown that Lansoprazole medications do pass through to unborn children, as well as through breast milk during the breastfeeding process.
Because of this, it’s not recommended to use Lansoprazole in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, unless your practitioner deems the benefits to outweigh the risks that it could pose against an unborn or nursing child.
If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeed, or planning to breastfeed, be sure to let your practitioner know, before requesting an online Lansoprazole prescription in Canada from Felix.
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