Lansoprazole tablets are part of a group of drugs, known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), that work by preventing enzymes in the stomach from over-producing acid.
Excess acid can back up into your esophagus (throat), leaving you with an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest and throat, and a sour taste in your mouth. Other symptoms of acid reflux include:
- A cough or hiccups
- Bad breath
- A hoarse voice
- Bloating and nausea (feeling sick)
Proton pump inhibitors target the enzymes that are involved in the last stage of acid production in your stomach. Lansoprazole has an enteric coating, so it stays in your system for 24 hours, slowly releasing the active ingredient for a long-lasting effect.
How to take lansoprazole
Lansoprazole is usually prescribed in doses of 15mg for the treatment of acid reflux and heartburn. Take one capsule at the same time every day, 30 minutes before food.
You should swallow the tablet whole with water – do not crush or chew these tablets. If you have trouble swallowing them, we recommend emptying out the contents of the capsule and mixing it with water or juice, or adding it to a soft food, like yoghurt.
It may take two to three days before you notice a difference in your symptoms, and up to four weeks before Lansoprazole works properly. If you see no improvement after 14 days or you still have symptoms after 28 days, call your doctor.
You should always read the patient information leaflet in full before you start treatment.
When to see your GP
Occasionally, acid reflux symptoms can be caused by a more serious underlying condition. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your GP straight away:
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- Food getting stuck in your throat
- Blood in your stool (faeces)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Stomach pain or frequently being sick
Your doctor can arrange further tests to investigate what’s causing you to feel unwell.
In some people, Lansoprazole can cause side effects, but these are usually mild and will go away when you finish the course of treatment. Common Lansoprazole side effects include:
- Stomach pain, flatulence (wind)
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Headache, dizziness
- Feeling tired
- Feeling or being sick
- Skin rash, itching
- Dry or sore mouth or throat
- Changes in liver function
If you experience vertigo, dizziness, tiredness or visual disturbances while taking Lansoprazole, you should wait until your symptoms have passed before you drive, ride a bike, operate machinery, or do anything else which involves concentration.
In rare cases, Lansoprazole can cause an allergic reaction. If you experience the following symptoms, you should seek urgent medical attention:
- Swollen face, lips, tongue, or throat
- A tight chest or throat
- Difficulty breathing or talking
- Difficulty swallowing
- A rash that can include itchy, red, swollen or blistered skin
- A fall in blood pressure
Lansoprazole is not safe for everyone to take. Your doctor or pharmacist will ask you about your medical history and any other medications you are currently taking before they prescribe this medication for you.
You should not take Lansoprazole if:
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in it
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have liver problems, you are due to have an endoscopy, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Lansoprazole or any other medication in the past.
For a full list of side effects and cautions, download the patient information leaflet.
Can you buy Lansoprazole over the counter?
Lansoprazole is a prescription-only medicine that can only be issued by a GP or a private prescribing service, like Post My Meds.
Before we can prescribe this medication, we need to ensure it is safe for you to take, so we’ll ask you to complete a short online consultation. Our pharmacists will use the information you give us to check that you are suitable to take Lansoprazole.
We only ever prescribe medication where we feel it is safe to do so.
What else is Lansoprazole used for?
Lansoprazole can also be used to treat some stomach ulcers, inflammation of the esophagus, and infections caused by the bacteria H.pylori. You should always take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Some people take Lansoprazole for a few weeks and others over many years. Long term use of PPIs can increase your risk of certain conditions, and you will need regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your ongoing health.
What should I do if I forget to take it?
If you forget to take Lansoprazole, you should take it as soon as you remember, unless it is within 12 hours of your next dose. If this is the case, you should skip the missed dose and continue your course of treatment as normal.
Never double-up on your dose to make up for missing one.
Can I take Lansoprazole while breastfeeding?
Lansoprazole should be used with caution whilst breastfeeding. As we do not recommend it through our service, we would advise you speak to your doctor or pharmacist about your situation. They may suggest that you use Omeprazole, which is safe to use while breastfeeding and during pregnancy.
Can I take Lansoprazole with antacids?
Some people find that taking Lansoprazole with antacids, like Rennie or Gaviscon, is an effective way of managing their acid reflux. It is safe to use both types of treatment, but you should leave a two-hour gap between taking Lansoprazole and antacids.
Can I drink alcohol with Lansoprazole?
Alcohol has no direct effect on Lansoprazole, but it can make the symptoms of acid reflux worse as it increases the amount of acid your stomach produces. We recommend reducing your alcohol intake where possible while taking Lansoprazole.
How do I come off Lansoprazole?
In most cases, you can stop taking Lansoprazole without having to reduce your dosage first. However, if you’ve been taking it for a long time then consult your doctor before you stop the treatment. They may suggest you start by decreasing the amount you are taking, which can prevent your stomach from suddenly producing a lot more acid.
Is it safe to buy Lansoprazole online?
Online pharmacies, like Post My Meds, are subject to all the same rules and laws as “bricks and mortar” pharmacies on the high street.
We are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and everything we sell is approved by the UK regulator for medicines and healthcare products (MHRA).
If you have any concerns or questions about buying Lansoprazole online, get in touch with our friendly team who will be happy to guide you through the process.
When will my order arrive?
Orders placed before 4pm on a weekday or 11am on a Saturday will be dispatched the same working day. Anything after this cut-off point will be processed the following working day, so if you order on a Sunday, it will be looked at by our team on Monday.
We use Royal Mail first class post and everything is shipped in discreet packaging to protect your privacy. You can expect your order to arrive in a generic brown, padded envelope or box with only your name and address on it.
