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Overview: Lansoprazole is used to treat heartburn, GERD, and other conditions caused by too much acid in the stomach, including ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and H. pylori infections. It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. Common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and constipation. Call your health care provider or seek care right away if you are peeing less than usual or see blood in your urine, have diarrhea that does not go away, skin rash or blisters, or trouble breathing. Lansoprazole comes as a delayed-release oral capsule or an orally disintegrating tablet.

Uses

What is lansoprazole used for?

Lansoprazole is used to treat heartburn and certain other conditions caused by too much acid in the stomach.

Lansoprazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does lansoprazole work (mechanism of action)?

Lansoprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes.

How is lansoprazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Prevacid
  • Prevacid SoluTab
  • Prevacid 24HR

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 15 mg, 30 mg delayed-release oral capsules
  • 15 mg, 30 mg delayed-release orally disintegrating tablets

How should I store lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of lansoprazole?

The most common side effects of lansoprazole are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Constipation

There may be other side effects of lansoprazole that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of lansoprazole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of lansoprazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Kidney Problems. A type of kidney problem called acute tubulointerstitial nephritis can happen at any time during treatment with lansoprazole. If you notice a decrease in the amount of your urine or see blood in your urine, call your doctor right away. 

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficileor “C. diff,” can happen in your gut during treatment with lansoprazole. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Severe Skin Reactions. Lansoprazole can cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, stop lansoprazole and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Severe Allergic Reaction called DRESS. Lansoprazole can cause a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop using the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Lupus. Some medicines, such as lansoprazole, can cause certain types of lupus or cause worsening of lupus you already have. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder where your immune cells attack other cells or organs in your body. Tell your provider right away if you have new or worsening joint pain or a rash on your arms or cheeks.

Low Vitamin B-12. Lansoprazole can cause you to absorb less vitamin B-12 than usual, which can cause low vitamin B-12 levels. You have a higher risk of this if you take lansoprazole for a long time (3 years or longer). Stop taking lansoprazole and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Sore tongue
  • Weakness 
  • Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet

Low Magnesium. Lansoprazole can cause low magnesium levels, also known as hypomagnesemia, which can be serious. Decreased magnesium levels can cause seizures or heart rhythm problems. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who take the lansoprazole for a long time or those that take other medicines that can cause low magnesium. Stop taking lansoprazole and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as fast or skipping heartbeat
  • Dizziness 
  • Muscle spasms
  • Seizures 

Weakened Bones. Lansoprazole may cause bone loss and increase your risk for fractures. The risk is higher in older adults and people taking lansoprazole for a long time or taking a high dose.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use lansoprazole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use lansoprazole.

  • Lansoprazole
  • Prevacid
  • Prevacid SoluTab
  • Prevacid 24HR
  • Any other medicine known as a proton pump inhibitor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lansoprazole products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Lansoprazole should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking lansoprazole, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about lansoprazole before using it?

Do not take lansoprazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share lansoprazole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep lansoprazole out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush lansoprazole.

Take lansoprazole before a meal.

Antacids may be taken with lansoprazole if needed.

If you are also taking sucralfate, take lansoprazole 30 minutes or more before sucralfate.

Lansoprazole should not be used for immediate relief of heartburn. It may take 1 to 4 days for the medicine to fully work.

If you are having trouble swallowing the lansoprazole capsule, you may open them and sprinkle the contents on 1 tablespoon of applesauce, cottage cheese, yogurt, or strained pears. Swallow the applesauce right away. Don’t mix the contents with any other food.

If lansoprazole is given through a nasogastric (NG) tube, your health care provider will give you instructions on how to properly give it.

Lansoprazole SoluTab contain phenylalanine (a component of aspartame).

People who are under 1 year of age can be at greater risk for some side effects from lansoprazole. Talk to your health care provider about the risks if your child is under 1 year of age.

What should I tell my health care provider before using lansoprazole?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if lansoprazole is right for you.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Lansoprazole may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking lansoprazole, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how lansoprazole could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take lansoprazole while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. Do not take lansoprazole while you are breastfeeding. Lansoprazole can pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does lansoprazole interact with foods or drinks?

Take lansoprazole before meals.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lansoprazole.

Does lansoprazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking lansoprazole.

  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others)
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • Warfarin, which is used as a blood thinner
  • Theopylline, which is used to treat symptoms of certain lung diseases
  • Clarithromycin, which is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections
  • Tacrolimus, which is typically used to prevent organ transplant rejection
  • Certain antiretroviral medicines, such as rilpivirine (Edurant), nelfinavir (Viracept), or saquinavir (Invirase), which are used for HIV or AIDS
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Rifampin (Rimactane and others), which is a medicine used for tuberculosis (TB)

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of lansoprazole, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Lansoprazole may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with lansoprazole. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much lansoprazole?

If you or someone else has used too much lansoprazole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of lansoprazole?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.