Highlights for lansoprazole

  1. Lansoprazole oral capsule is available as a brand-name drug and a generic drug. Brand name: Prevacid.
  2. Lansoprazole comes in two forms: a capsule and a disintegrating tablet. Both forms are taken by mouth.
  3. Lansoprazole oral capsule is used to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. It’s used to treat several conditions. These conditions include gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and heartburn due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Bone fractures warning: People who take several doses of this drug per day for one year or longer may have an increased risk of bone fractures. These breaks may be more likely to happen in your hip, wrist, or spine. Talk to your doctor about your risk of bone fractures. You should take this drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor should prescribe the lowest dose possible for your treatment for the shortest amount of time.
  • Severe diarrhea warning: This drug may increase your risk of severe diarrhea. This may be caused by an infection in your intestine due to Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Call your doctor right away if you have watery diarrhea, stomach pain, and a fever that won’t go away.
  • Kidney damage warning: This drug may cause kidney damage, which can occur at any time during the treatment. Call your doctor if you have blood in your urine, flank pain (pain in your side and back) or changes in urination during the treatment.
  • CLE and SLE warning: Lansoprazole can cause cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CLE and SLE are autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of CLE can range from a rash on the skin and nose, to a raised, scaly, red or purple rash on certain parts of the body. Symptoms of SLE can include fever, tiredness, weight loss, blood clots, heartburn, stomach pain, and joint pain. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor.
  • Fundic gland polyps warning: Long-term use (especially over one year) of lansoprazole can cause fundic gland polyps. These polyps are growths on the lining of your stomach that can become cancerous. To help prevent these polyps, you should use this drug for as short a time as possible.

Lansoprazole is a prescription drug. It’s available as a delayed-release oral capsule and a delayed-release orally disintegrating tablet. A delayed-release drug doesn’t release the medication until it passes through your stomach. This prevents the drug from being inactivated by your stomach.

Lansoprazole oral capsule is available as the brand-name drug Prevacid. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name drug.

Lansoprazole oral capsule may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

Some versions of lansoprazole oral capsules are available over the counter, but this article covers only the prescription versions.

Why it’s used

Lansoprazole oral capsule is used to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. It can be used to:

How it works

Lansoprazole belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Lansoprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in your stomach. It does this by blocking the proton pump in the cells of your stomach. The proton pump works in the final step of acid production. When the proton pump is blocked, your stomach makes less acid. This helps to decrease your symptoms.

Lansoprazole oral capsule doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of lansoprazole can include:

  • diarrhea
  • stomach pain
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • headache

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Using this drug every day for longer than three years can make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B-12. Symptoms can include:

  • nervousness
  • neuritis (inflammation of a nerve)
  • numbness and tingling in your hands and feet
  • poor muscular coordination
  • changes in menstruation

Low magnesium levels. Using this drug for three months or longer can decrease your magnesium levels. Symptoms can include:

  • seizures
  • dizziness
  • abnormal or fast heart rate
  • jitters
  • tremors (jerking movements or shaking)
  • muscle weakness
  • spasms in your hands and feet
  • cramps or muscle aches
  • spasms of your voice box

Serious allergic reactions. Symptoms can include:

  • rash
  • swelling of your face
  • throat tightness
  • trouble breathing

Diarrhea from C. diff infection. Symptoms can include:

  • stomach pain
  • watery diarrhea
  • fever

Bone fractures

Kidney damage. Symptoms can include:

  • flank pain (pain in your side and back)
  • changes in urination
  • blood in the urine

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Symptoms can include:

  • rash on the skin and nose
  • raised, scaly, red or purple rash on your body

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Symptoms can include:

  • fever
  • tiredness
  • weight loss
  • blood clots
  • heartburn
  • joint pain

Fundic gland polyps (don’t usually cause symptoms)

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Lansoprazole oral capsule can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with lansoprazole are listed below.

Drugs you should not use with lansoprazole

Do not take these drugs with lansoprazole. Doing so can cause dangerous effects in your body. Examples of these drugs include:

  • HIV drugs, such as atazanavir, nelfinavir, and drugs that contain rilpivirine. Lansoprazole may decrease the levels of these drugs in your body. This means that they won’t work as well to treat HIV. You may even develop HIV resistance. Resistance means that the HIV virus will no longer respond to treatment with this drug.
  • HIV drugs, such as saquinavir. Lansoprazole may increase the levels of this drug in your body, which could result in more side effects.

Interactions that increase the risk of side effects

Side effects from other drugs: Taking lansoprazole with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from these drugs. Examples of these drugs include:

  • Warfarin. You may have more bleeding. If you need to take both of these drugs, your doctor will monitor your lab results (such as INR) closely. They may also adjust your warfarin dosage.
  • Digoxin. Lansoprazole can increase the levels of digoxin in your body. This can raise your risk of side effects. Your doctor may check the levels of digoxin in your body and adjust your digoxin dosage if needed.
  • Methotrexate. Lansoprazole can increase the levels of methotrexate in your body. This puts you at risk of more side effects. If you’re taking a high dosage of methotrexate, your doctor may have you stop taking lansoprazole temporarily.
  • Tacrolimus. Lansoprazole can increase the levels of tacrolimus in your body. This puts you at increased risk of side effects. Your doctor may check the levels of tacrolimus in your body and adjust your tacrolimus dosage if needed.

Interactions that can make your drugs less effective

When lansoprazole is less effective: When lansoprazole is used with certain drugs, it may not work as well to treat your condition. This is because the amount of lansoprazole in your body may be decreased. Examples of these drugs include:

  • Sucralfate. Lansoprazole may not work as well when taken with sucralfate. You should take lansoprazole at least 30 minutes before you take sucralfate to avoid interactions.
  • Rifampin. Lansoprazole may not work as well when taken with rifampin. Avoid using these drugs together.
  • St. John’s wort. Lansoprazole may not work as well when taken with St. John’s wort. Avoid using them together.

When other drugs are less effective: When certain drugs are used with lansoprazole, they may not work as well. This is because the amount of these drugs in your body may be decreased. Examples of these drugs include:

  • Ampicillin. Lansoprazole can prevent your body from absorbing ampicillin well. As a result, ampicillin may not work as well to treat your infection.
  • Ketoconazole and itraconazole. Lansoprazole can prevent your body from absorbing these antifungals well. Ketoconazole may not work as well to treat your infection.
  • Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Lansoprazole can prevent your body from absorbing MMF properly. As a result, MMF may not work as well. It isn’t known how this interaction may affect your risk of organ rejection. If you take MMF, ask your doctor whether lansoprazole is safe for you.
  • Iron salts. Lansoprazole can prevent your body from absorbing drugs that contain iron well.
  • Erlotinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib. Lansoprazole can prevent your body from absorbing these drugs well. As a result, they may not work as well to treat your cancer.
  • Theophylline. Lansoprazole may decrease the levels of theophylline in your body. This means that theophylline may not work as well to treat your asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Your doctor may monitor the levels of theophylline in your body.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you’re taking.

This drug comes with several warnings.

Allergy warning

Lansoprazole can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

  • rash
  • face swelling
  • throat tightness
  • trouble breathing

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with liver problems: If you have liver problems or a history of liver disease, you may not be able to clear this drug from your body well. If you have severe liver disease, your doctor may reduce your dosage of lansoprazole.

For people with a vitamin B-12 deficiency: Taking this drug for longer than three years can decrease vitamin B-12 levels in your blood. Your doctor may give you vitamin B-12 injections and monitor your vitamin B-12 levels.

For people with osteoporosis: People who take multiple doses of this drug per day for one year or longer may have an increased risk of fractures. If you already have osteoporosis, your risk is even higher.

For people with low magnesium levels: Taking this drug for three months or longer can decrease the magnesium levels in your blood. This drug can further decrease your magnesium levels if they’re already low. Your doctor may give you magnesium supplements and monitor your magnesium levels.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: Research has not shown a risk to the fetus when the mother takes this drug. However, there aren’t enough studies done in humans to show if the drug poses a risk to the fetus.

Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. And if you become pregnant while taking this drug, tell your doctor right away.

For women who are breastfeeding: It isn’t known if lansoprazole passes into breast milk. If it does, it may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For children:

This drug has not been shown to be safe or effective for treating GERD or erosive esophagitis in children younger than 1 year. It shouldn’t be used in children younger than 1 year for these conditions.

This drug hasn’t been studied in children for certain conditions. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years for the following conditions:

  • duodenal ulcers
  • gastric ulcers
  • hypersecretory conditions
  • H. pylori infections

For treating GERD and erosive esophagitis in children ages 1 to 11 years, it isn’t known if this drug is safe for use longer than 12 weeks.

When to call the doctor

  1. Call your doctor if your symptoms don’t get better while taking this drug. It should only take a few hours for this drug to start working.

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

  • your age
  • the condition being treated
  • the severity of your condition
  • other medical conditions you have
  • how you react to the first dose

Drug forms and strengths

Generic: Lansoprazole

  • Form: delayed-release oral capsule
  • Strengths: 15 mg, 30 mg

Brand: Prevacid

  • Form: delayed-release oral capsule
  • Strengths: 15 mg, 30 mg

Dosage for duodenal ulcers

Adult dosage (ages 18 and older)

  • Typical dosage: 15 mg taken once per day for four weeks. Your doctor may have you take this drug for a longer period of time for continued healing of your ulcer.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.

Dosage for gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers)

Adult dosage (ages 18 and older)

  • Typical dosage: 30 mg taken once per day for up to 8 weeks.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.

Dosage for gastric ulcers from NSAIDs

Adult dosage (ages 18 and older)

  • For short-term treatment: 30 mg taken once per day for 8 weeks.
  • For prevention: 15 mg taken once per day for up to 12 weeks.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.

Dosage for erosive esophagitis

Adult dosage (ages 18 and older)

  • For short-term treatment: 30 mg taken once per day for up to 8 weeks.
  • For maintenance: 15 mg taken once per day.

Child dosage (ages 12–17 years)

  • Typical dosage: 30 mg taken once per day for up to 8 weeks.

Child dosage (ages 1–11 years)

It isn’t known if it’s safe to use this drug for longer than 12 weeks in children of this age range for the treatment of erosive esophagitis.

  • Children who weigh 30 kg (66 lbs.) or less: 15 mg taken once per day for up to 12 weeks.
  • Children who weigh more than 30 kg (66 lbs.): 30 mg taken once per day for up to 12 weeks.

Child dosage (ages 0–11 months)

This drug hasn’t been studied in children younger than 1 year.

Dosage for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Adult dosage (ages 18 and older)

  • Typical dosage: 15 mg taken once per day for up to 8 weeks.

Child dosage (ages 12–17 years)

  • Typical dosage: 15 mg taken once per day for up to 8 weeks.

Child dosage (ages 1–11 years)

It isn’t known if it’s safe to use this drug for longer than 12 weeks in children of this age range for the treatment of GERD.

  • Children who weigh 30 kg (66 lbs.) or less: 15 mg taken once per day for up to 12 weeks.
  • Children who weigh more than 30 kg (66 lbs.): 30 mg taken once per day for up to 12 weeks.

Child dosage (ages 0–11 months)

This drug hasn’t been studied in children younger than 1 year.

Dosage for hypersecretory conditions

Adult dosage (ages 18 and older)

  • Typical starting dosage: 60 mg taken once per day.
  • Dosage increases: Your doctor will adjust your dosage as needed. If you’re taking more than 120 mg per day, your doctor will have you take it in divided doses.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.

Dosage for H. pylori stomach infections

Adult dosage (ages 18 and older)

  • Triple therapy dosage: If you’re taking this drug with amoxicillin and clarithromycin, take 30 mg of this drug twice per day (every 12 hours) for 10 or 14 days.
  • Dual therapy dosage: If you’re taking this drug with only amoxicillin, take 30 mg of this drug three times per day (every 8 hours) for 14 days.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Lansoprazole oral capsule is used for short-term treatment of:

  • duodenal ulcers
  • gastric ulcers
  • ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • erosive esophagitis
  • H. pylori infections

It’s used for long-term treatment of:

  • hypersecretory conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
  • ulcer and erosive esophagitis maintenance

Lansoprazole oral capsule comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your symptoms may not improve. Your condition may get worse.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

  • diarrhea
  • stomach pain
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • headache

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or through their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. If you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: Your symptoms should improve.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes lansoprazole for you.

General

  • Take lansoprazole about 30 minutes before eating a meal.
  • Take this drug at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.
  • Do not cut or crush this medication.
  • Don’t crush or chew the capsule. You can open the contents of the capsule and sprinkle it onto 1 tablespoon of applesauce, cottage cheese, yogurt, or strained pears. Swallow the mixture right away. You can also mix the contents of the capsule with 1/4 cup of apple juice, orange juice, or tomato juice. Drink the mixture right away.
  • Store lansoprazole at room temperature. Keep it between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
  • Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

  • Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
  • Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t harm your medication.
  • You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
  • Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

You and your doctor should monitor certain health issues. This can help make sure that you stay safe while you take this drug. These issues include:

  • Liver function: Your doctor may do blood tests to check how well your liver is working. If your liver isn’t working well, your doctor may lower your dosage of this drug.
  • Magnesium levels in your blood: This drug may decrease the level of magnesium in your blood. Your doctor may check your magnesium levels and give you supplements if needed.
  • Vitamin B-12: This drug may decrease the levels of vitamin B-12 in your body. Your doctor may check your vitamin B-12 levels and give you vitamin B-12 injections if needed.
  • Digestive health: If you have severe diarrhea that’s not going away, your doctor may check you for a C. diff infection.
  • Bone strength: Your doctor may do tests to see if you have osteoporosis. This drug may increase your risk of bone fractures if you have osteoporosis.

Availability

Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.

Prior authorization

Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.