Lansoprazole

1 medicine

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid to treat reflux and ulcers. Long-term use can weaken bones, lower magnesium levels, and reduce vitamin B12 absorption, so it should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.

Prevacid

Lansoprazole

15/30mg

Prevacid is a digestive health medication containing Lansoprazole, available as 15/30mg tablets.

from $0.49 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Lansoprazole (in Prevacid) is a proton pump inhibitor. It blocks the stomach's acid pumps, cutting acid production so the esophagus and stomach lining can heal.
  • Capsules are usually taken once daily before a meal; courses run from a few weeks to several months depending on the condition.
  • Taking lansoprazole for a year or longer raises the risk of bone fractures, low magnesium, and vitamin B12 deficiency, so it is used at the lowest dose that controls symptoms.
  • Seek urgent care for muscle cramps or an irregular heartbeat (signs of low magnesium), or severe, watery diarrhea that does not improve.

What lansoprazole treats

Lansoprazole treats gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and erosive damage to the esophagus lining caused by acid. It is also used, combined with antibiotics, to help clear Helicobacter pylori infection, and to treat rare conditions of excess acid production such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

How lansoprazole works

Lansoprazole travels to the stomach lining and blocks the pump that releases acid into the digestive tract. With less acid produced, irritation eases and the damaged lining gets a chance to heal.

Before you take it

  • Tell your prescriber if you have liver disease, low magnesium, or a history of allergic reaction to another proton pump inhibitor.
  • Report persistent stomach pain or unexplained weight loss before starting, since acid-suppressing drugs can mask symptoms of a more serious condition.
  • Lansoprazole can reduce absorption of drugs that need stomach acid, including some antifungal and HIV medicines, and should not be combined with rilpivirine.
  • Long-term steroid use adds to the fracture risk that comes with prolonged acid suppression.

Side effects

Common effects include headache, stomach upset, gas, nausea, and mild diarrhea that often eases as your body adjusts.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Severe abdominal pain that does not ease.
  • Watery diarrhea that is severe or does not stop, a possible sign of gut infection.
  • Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing.

Safety essentials

  • Long-term use raises the risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine, and can lower magnesium and vitamin B12; use the lowest dose for the shortest time that controls your symptoms.
  • Ask your prescriber about periodic blood tests for magnesium and B12 if you take lansoprazole for longer than a year.
  • Months of use increase the risk of gut infections such as C. difficile; seek care for severe or persistent diarrhea.
  • Do not stop long-term treatment abruptly without your prescriber's advice.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.