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Lansoprazole

This form:

Pronounced

"lan-SO-pruh-zole"

Common brand names:

Prevacid

Uses

Lansoprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. This medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Lansoprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

If you are self-treating with this medication, over-the-counter lansoprazole products are used to treat frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more days a week). Since it may take 1 to 4 days to have full effect, these products do not relieve heartburn right away.

For over-the-counter products, carefully read the package instructions to make sure the product is right for you. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar brand names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.

Lansoprazole is not recommended for use in children younger than 1 year due to an increased risk of serious side effects. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking lansoprazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth before a meal as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on age and weight. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not crush or chew the capsules. Swallow the medication whole. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and sprinkle its contents on a spoonful of soft food (such as applesauce, cottage cheese, yogurt) and swallow the mixture right away without chewing it. Or you may empty the capsule's contents into a small amount (2 ounces or 60 milliliters) of juice, stir, and drink the mixture right away without chewing it. Then rinse the glass with more juice and drink to make sure you have taken the entire dose. Do not prepare the mixture ahead of time for later use. Doing so may destroy the drug.

If you are giving this medication through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric tube), ask your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to properly mix and give it.

If needed, antacids may be taken along with this medication. If you are also taking sucralfate, take lansoprazole at least 30 minutes before sucralfate.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Continue to take this medication for the prescribed length of treatment even if you are feeling better. If you are self-treating with the over-the-counter product, do not take it for more than 14 days unless directed by your doctor.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. If you are self-treating, tell your doctor if your heartburn lasts after 14 days or if you need to use this medication more than once every 4 months. The risk of side effects goes up over time. Ask your doctor how long you should take this medication. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.