Highlights:
- Lansoprazole, also known as Prevacid, is used to treat heartburn, GERD, ulcers, and other acid-related issues.
- As a proton pump inhibitor, it can provide long-lasting relief by blocking acid-producing enzymes in the stomach.
- Lansoprazole is also available over the counter for occasional heartburn relief.
- You can find the best price for your prescriptions with BidRx.
Just about everyone has eaten something that didn’t “sit well” in their stomach. But if indigestion is more than the aftermath of an especially spicy meal, your doctor might prescribe medication to treat acid reflux. One common medication, lansoprazole, is able to treat acid-related symptoms for both short- and long-term, or chronic, conditions.
What Is Lansoprazole and What Is It Used For?
Lansoprazole, which is often sold under the brand name Prevacid, is used to treat acid-related digestive disorders. It’s commonly used to ease heartburn, acid reflux, and the occasional bout of indigestion, but it’s also prescribed to treat conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
How Does Lansoprazole Work?
Lansoprazole belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medications work by binding to certain enzyme receptors (proton pumps) to reduce the amount of acid the stomach can produce. By reducing stomach acid, lansoprazole provides effective relief from heartburn and GERD while allowing ulcers to heal.
Lansoprazole Dosage and Administration
Typically, lansoprazole is available in the form of capsules or orally disintegrating tablets, with various strengths ranging from 15 to 30 milligrams. Dosage regimens may include once daily or twice daily administration, with or without food.
Generic lansoprazole and brand-name Prevacid are also available over the counter (OTC) for short-term relief of occasional heartburn. However, this formula is only available in 15 milligram strength. The over-the-counter version is not labeled for children, so only a doctor can prescribe lansoprazole to people under the age of 12.
Note that these are general guidelines. Only a healthcare provider can determine the appropriate dosage for an individual.
How Should I Take Lansoprazole?
If your doctor has prescribed lansoprazole, take it exactly as your healthcare provider recommends. If you are taking the OTC version of this medication, carefully follow the included instructions.
Lansoprazole is usually taken by mouth, with or without food, once or twice per day. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, the contents can be sprinkled onto soft food, such as applesauce or yogurt. Remember to drink plenty of fluids while using this medication, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Lansoprazole (Prevacid)?
All medications, even those available over the counter, can have side effects. No list of side effects is complete, and not everyone experiences the same symptoms. It’s important to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about lansoprazole and discuss all side effects.
Common Side Effects of Lansoprazole
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Headache
Less Common But More Severe Side Effects of Lansoprazole
- Worsened stomach pain or persistent diarrhea
- Low magnesium
- Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency
- Severe allergic reaction, which may include swelling, difficulty breathing, itching, or dizziness
What Should I Avoid When Taking Lansoprazole?
While taking lansoprazole, it’s important to avoid certain medications or activities that may worsen side effects.
- Avoid alcohol because it can worsen ulcers and increase the risk of liver damage.
- Limit certain over-the-counter medications (especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen) because these can irritate the lining of the stomach.
- Use caution when driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how lansoprazole affects you.
- Although lansoprazole helps reduce stomach acid, use caution when eating foods that are known to worsen your acid reflux symptoms.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Lansoprazole?
If you miss a dose of lansoprazole, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you’re taking lansoprazole for long-term treatment, don’t suddenly stop taking your medication. This could cause your stomach to produce more acid than usual, and your heartburn may return or worsen.
What Should I Do If I Overdose on Lansoprazole?
If you suspect an overdose of lansoprazole, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center right away. Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain, drowsiness, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, bloody stools, sweating, headache, and difficulty breathing.
What Precautions Should I Take With Lansoprazole (Prevacid)?
Before taking this medication, speak to your doctor about lansoprazole’s effects and follow these special precautions:
- Check for allergies. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have to lansoprazole or its ingredients.
- Medication review. Talk to your doctor about any prescriptions, nonprescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you’re currently taking. Certain medications and health products, such as iron supplements or St. John’s wort, may interact with lansoprazole.
- Discuss your health history. Tell your doctor if you have any history of low magnesium, calcium, potassium, or sodium levels, or conditions like osteoporosis or liver disease.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- Age considerations. Older people may need to adjust their dosage and duration of lansoprazole.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) check. Be aware that lansoprazole dissolving tablets may contain aspartame, which forms phenylalanine and is not suitable for people with PKU.
- Seek medical advice. Before taking over-the-counter lansoprazole, discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Prolonged heartburn may indicate a more serious condition.
Contraindications of Lansoprazole
Some people should not take lansoprazole. Others should use it with caution under close medical supervision.
Keep in mind that these lists are general guidelines. In special cases, doctors may feel the benefits of taking a particular medication outweigh the risks, so if you are in one of these groups, talk to your doctor about your personal situation.
Who Should Not Take Lansoprazole?
- Individuals allergic to lansoprazole or other proton pump inhibitors
- Patients with a history of severe liver disease
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with their healthcare provider before using lansoprazole
- People with bone diseases or broken bones, because this drug class may affect bone density
Who Should Take Lansoprazole With Caution?
- Patients with certain medical conditions, such as hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) or vitamin B12 deficiency
- Older adults and people with impaired kidney function, since they may be more susceptible to certain side effects
- Children without a doctor’s supervision
Are There Any Other Potential Drug Interactions With Lansoprazole (Prevacid)?
According to Drugs.com, a significant number of drugs and supplements can interact with this medication.
The most important potential interactions to be aware of include:
- Cancer medications
- HIV/AIDS treatments
- Depression and anxiety medications, especially citalopram
- Chemotherapy drugs, especially methotrexate
- Immune system suppressants
For the complete known interactions list, visit the Drugs.com Drug Interactions Checker. However, no list of potential drug interactions is complete, so let your provider know if you experience any new or unusual symptoms after taking this medication.
Enjoy Your Favorite Foods without Acid Interruptions
Although lansoprazole is available over the counter for occasional heartburn, some people take this medication for long-term treatment of acid-related stomach conditions. Understand how this medication affects you, and be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations about your stomach health. If your doctor recommends Prevacid, you can find the best prices with BidRx.
Get the Lowest Price for Lansoprazole (Prevacid) With BidRx
Choose the offer that fits your budget. Your medications may be available for pickup at your local pharmacy or shipped right to your door. Find your heartburn and acid reflux medicines on our medication page and sign up to place your bid today!
This information is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.
