Lansoprazole

• The usual dose of lansoprazole is 30 mg once a day.
• For some people, 15 mg once a day is enough.
• Your doctor will advise you how long to take lansoprazole for (usually for 4 to 8 weeks). Some people may need to take it for longer.
• It is best to take the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible time.  
• The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much lansoprazole to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

• Take lansoprazole once a day in the morning on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
• Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. It won't work properly if crushed or chewed.
• If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose.

Here are some things to know when you're taking lansoprazole. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Avoid long-term use of lansoprazole

If you don’t need it, lansoprazole should not be taken long term, because of the possible side effects. There may be a small increased risk of bone fractures, chest infections, gut infection and nutrient deficiencies such as low magnesium and vitamin B12. If you’ve been taking a PPI for reflux for longer than 4 to 8 weeks, and your symptoms seem to be well managed, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about reviewing your medicine. They may recommend reducing your treatment. This could include:

• reducing your daily dose of lansoprazole
• taking lansoprazole only when you experience the symptoms of heartburn and reflux (also known as on-demand therapy)
• stopping treatment completely, as your symptoms may not return.

Read more about PPIs for heartburn and reflux.(external link)

Taking other medicines

Lansoprazole may be affected by medicines or herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicines. Don't take indigestion remedies (antacids) 2 hours before or after you take lansoprazole.

Having an endoscopy

Ask your doctor if you should stop taking lansoprazole a few weeks before your endoscopy. It may hide some of the problems that would usually be spotted during the procedure.

Like all medicines lansoprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.

Rebound acid secretion when stopping

When lansoprazole is stopped, a common side effect is rebound acid secretion, where the acid secretion in your stomach increases significantly. This should return to normal within 2 weeks.

Because the symptoms of rebound acid secretion are the same as for reflux (such as indigestion, discomfort and pain in your upper stomach and chest, feeling sick and an acid taste in your mouth), it can form an ongoing loop where stopping lansoprazole treatment creates the need to start it again.

Rather than restarting lansoprazole, your doctor may advise you to use antacids such as Acidex, Mylanta or Gaviscon. These can be effective for treating rebound acid secretion so talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience it.

Other side effects