Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat acidity 2. To treat gastric and duodenal ulcers 3. To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 4. To treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (small tumors in pancreas and intestines) |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Diarrhea 2. Itching 3. Skin rash |
| Additional Information | 1. Take it before the meals to get maximum effect. 2. This is a prescription medication, so it should be used by a doctor’s recommendation only. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | To be swallowed with a sip of water |
Lansoprazole Uses
Lansoprazole 15 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the category of proton pump inhibitors and is used for the treatment of the following indications:
- Acidity
- Gastric and duodenal ulcers
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (small tumors in pancreas and intestines)
Lansoprazole side effects
More Common
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Skin rash
Less Common
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
How Lansoprazole works
Lansoprazole works by turning off the acid-producing channels in your stomach lining, which are responsible for releasing acid. In problems like heartburn, reflux, or ulcers, too much acid irritates and damages the stomach or food pipe. After taking this medicine, it travels to the acid-making cells, activates in their acidic environment, and locks the channels shut, giving your stomach time to heal and easing discomfort so you can eat and rest more comfortably.
Safety Measures and Warning
Pregnancy
Due to limited data on the effect of Lansoprazole on pregnant women, It is not recommended during pregnancy unless necessary. Limited human data and high-dose animal studies suggest risks like low birth weight and early labor. So, use only under medical supervision.
Breastfeeding
Lansoprazole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Lansoprazole.
Liver Problems
Lansoprazole should be used with caution in people who have liver problems, because liver disease can affect how the body processes the medication. In some cases, it can cause a change in liver functioning, so don’t use this, as it can put your liver to work and further damage it.
Lansoprazole Interaction with Food Product
Lansoprazole is generally considered safe with food, and it is recommended to avoid smoking and consuming alcohol, as they can either increase or decrease the drug’s action.
Lansoprazole Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Lansoprazole 15 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Lansoprazole Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
2-{[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy) pyridin-2-yl]methane sulfinyl}-1H-benzimidazole.
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take lansoprazole exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
It is not recommended to take more than 600 mg of lansoprazole per day, as it may cause severe overdosing effects like diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, kidney and liver damage, heart problems, and allergies. If you face any of the severe effects, see the doctor.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Directions for use
- Take lansoprazole exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking lansoprazole without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take lansoprazole, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Lansoprazole Summary
Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat acid reflux, ulcers, and excess stomach acid. It works by blocking the enzyme that produces acid in the stomach lining. Lansoprazole’s effect is maximum when taken before meals, as food can reduce its absorption. Common side effects include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. Alcohol and herbs like St. John’s wort may reduce its effectiveness the most; it helps soothe the burn and protect the stomach and doses above 600 mg can cause overdosing. So, just be sure to follow your doctor’s advice.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of Lansoprazole tablets?
Lansoprazole is a medicine used to help people with ulcers, acidity, and heartburn in the stomach.
What are the side effects of Lansoprazole tablets?
Some people may feel mild side effects like headaches, nausea, or changes in bowel movements like constipation or diarrhea while using lansoprazole.
What is the maximum dose of lansoprazole per day?
It is not recommended to take more than 600 mg of lansoprazole per day, as it may cause severe overdosing effects like diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, kidney and liver damage, heart problems, and allergies. If you face any of the severe effects, see the doctor.
Reference
- Horn J. The proton-pump inhibitors: similarities and differences. Clin Ther. 2000 Dec;22(12):266–80. doi:10.1016/S0149-2918(00)80080-3. PMID: 11825309. Available from.
- Peckham A. Lansoprazole: Uses, dosage, side effects, and more [Internet]. Healthline; 2024 Sep 25 [cited 2025 Sep 10]. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Lansoprazole (oral route) [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2025 Jul 31 [cited 2025 Sep 10]. Available from.
- NHS. Lansoprazole: medicine to lower stomach acid [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2021 Nov 15 [cited 2025 Sep 10]. Available from.
Authors
Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy from GIET School of Pharmacy, affiliated with Andhra University, and from his 3rd year of graduation, he was working as a freelance medical and publication writer. Having expertise in systematic reviews and clinical research. With his keen interest and skills in research and documentation practices, he also reviewed more than 150 manuscripts from international journals like Elsevier, Springer Nature, and Sage Journals, and all the manuscripts were indexed and appeared in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and he received honorary recognition letters and certificates from all of them. Siva Krishna Adithya also published a few systematic, narrative reviews and a few chapters of international expertise.