Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Lansoprazole is employed in the treatment of specific stomach and esophagus issues, including acid reflux and ulcers. It also aids in the healing of acid-induced damage to the stomach and esophagus, assists in preventing ulcers, and may contribute to the prevention of esophageal cancer. This medication alleviates symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. Lansoprazole belongs to a category of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Its mechanism involves reducing the production of acid in the stomach.
Uses and Dosage
Prescription lansoprazole is available as a delayed-release capsule, which releases the medication in the intestine to prevent breakdown by stomach acids, and as a delayed-release orally disintegrating tablet to be taken by mouth.
Nonprescription lansoprazole is also available as a delayed-release capsule for oral administration.
Prescription lansoprazole is typically taken once daily before a meal. When used alongside other medications to eradicate H. pylori, it is taken twice daily (every 12 hours) or three times daily (every 8 hours) before a meal, for 10 to 14 days. Nonprescription lansoprazole is usually taken once daily in the morning before eating, for 14 days. If necessary, additional 14-day treatments may be repeated, but not more frequently than once every 4 months. Take lansoprazole at approximately the same time(s) each day.
Take lansoprazole exactly as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage, take it more frequently, or for a longer period than instructed by your doctor or indicated on the package.
Inform your doctor if you’ve taken nonprescription lansoprazole for a longer duration than specified on the package.
Swallow prescription capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If swallowing capsules is difficult, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the granules onto a spoonful of applesauce, pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, or strained pears, then swallow immediately without chewing. Alternatively, you can open a capsule, pour the contents into 2 ounces (60 milliliters) of orange juice, apple juice, or tomato juice, mix briefly, and swallow immediately. Rinse the glass with additional juice several times and drink to ensure all medication is consumed.
Swallow nonprescription capsules whole with a glass of water; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Do not break, cut, or chew orally disintegrating tablets. Place a tablet on your tongue and wait for it to dissolve for up to one minute. After dissolving, swallow it with or without water. If unable to swallow the tablet, place it in an oral syringe, add 4 mL of water for a 15 mg tablet or 10 mL of water for a 30 mg tablet, shake gently to dissolve, and squirt the mixture into your mouth immediately. Then draw an additional 2 mL of water into the syringe, shake gently, and squirt into your mouth. Do not swallow the mixture more than 15 minutes after dissolving the tablet.
Both capsule contents and orally disintegrating tablets can be administered through a feeding tube; consult your doctor for proper administration.
Do not use nonprescription lansoprazole for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms. It may take 1 to 4 days to feel the full benefit. Contact your doctor if symptoms worsen, do not improve after 14 days, or return sooner than 4 months after treatment completion. Do not use nonprescription lansoprazole for longer than 14 days or more frequently than once every 4 months without consulting your doctor.
Continue taking lansoprazole even if you feel well. Do not discontinue prescription lansoprazole without consulting your doctor. If your condition does not improve or worsens, contact your doctor.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- dizziness
- headache
- bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, or discoloration of the skin
- mild nausea
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- diarrhea
- itching, skin rash
- increased or decreased appetite
- joint pain
- nausea
- stomach pain
- vomiting
Caution
- Before taking lansoprazole, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, particularly if you are allergic to lansoprazole or similar drugs like dexlansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, or if you have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product may trigger allergic reactions or other issues.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have liver disease or lupus.
- Certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience heartburn accompanied by lightheadedness, sweating, or dizziness, or if you have chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain, particularly with shortness of breath, unusual sweating, or unexplained weight loss.
- This medication may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition requiring you to restrict aspartame (or phenylalanine) intake, consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this drug safely.
- Proton pump inhibitors, like lansoprazole, may heighten the risk of bone fractures, especially with prolonged use, higher doses, and in older adults. Discuss preventive measures with your doctor or pharmacist, such as taking calcium (e.g., calcium citrate) and vitamin D supplements.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of this drug, particularly bone loss and fractures, and C. difficile infection.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is unclear whether this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs do pass into breast milk, and the effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Prevacid DR is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Prevacid DR delayed-release capsule:
- 15 mg
- 30 mg
- lansoprazole capsule:
- 30 mg
FAQ
How does it take Prevacid DR to work?
You should start to feel better within 2 to 3 days. However, it may take up to 4 weeks for Prevacid to work properly so you may still have some acid symptoms during this time.
Can I take Prevacid DR with an antacid?
You can take Prevacid with an antacid (for example Gaviscon) if you need to.
Resources
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lansoprazole/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/lansoprazole-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067214
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020406s078-021428s025lbl.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-150285/prevacid-solutab-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/prevacid-solutab.html
