Lansoprazole is typically prescribed to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other disorders associated with excessive production of stomach acid. This includes erosive esophagitis and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Lansoprazole may be prescribed in conjunction with antibiotics (such as amoxicillin) as a treatment for ulcers caused by an H. pylori bacterial infection.

Nonprescription lansoprazole is indicated for use as a treatment for heartburn and indigestion.

Lansoprazole is available over the counter under the brand name Prevacid, or generic lansoprazole.

Lansoprazole is available in two strengths. Nonprescription (over-the-counter) lansoprazole is widely available as a treatment for frequent heartburn and indigestion in adults. Heartburn is characterized by a burning pain in the chest that often occurs at night or after eating. Experiencing these symptoms twice a week or more is considered frequent heartburn.

Prescription-strength lansoprazole is used for the treatment of conditions caused by too much stomach acid in the body. This includes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenal and gastric ulcers, and erosive esophagitis.

GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth and stomach). This can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus and painful heartburn symptoms.

Duodenal and gastric ulcers are small sores that develop in the stomach or intestines. The most common cause of these sores is a bacterial infection. These forms of ulcers are not caused by stress, spicy foods, or stress. Duodenal and gastric ulcers can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, and nausea.

Erosive esophagitis occurs when the tissue lining the esophagus is damaged. This is usually caused by acid reflux. Erosive esophagitis is a painful condition that can make it hard to swallow. When left untreated, this damage can cause a narrowing of the esophagus and frequent chest pain.

Prescription lansoprazole is also used as a treatment for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome–a rare digestion disorder in which tumors in the small intestine cause excessive production of stomach acid. This can lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, heartburn, and bleeding in the digestive tract. The tumors that cause Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may be cancerous, and require treatment right away.

Lansoprazole may also be prescribed in conjunction with antibiotics like amoxicillin as a treatment for ulcers caused by an H. pylori bacterial infection. These are incredibly common infections (affecting nearly 50% of the world’s population at some time) that cause uncomfortable symptoms such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, and bloating. Lansoprazole works with antibiotic medication to heal ulcers in the digestive tract while targeting and eliminating the harmful H. pylori bacterium.

Lansoprazole belongs to a classification of medication known as proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) work by targeting the proton pumps in the cells of the stomach lining. These pumps are responsible for producing and maintaining high levels of gastric acid, and PPIs block their action. This reduces the amount of acid present in the stomach, relieving symptoms associated with disorders such as GERD and ulcers.

PPIs may also help to reduce inflammation in the stomach and intestines which can lead to improved healing times for ulcerations. In addition, they are believed to have anti-bacterial effects that can make them useful in controlling Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections.

Beyond this, PPIs have been found to be effective in preventing further damage to tissues that could result from prolonged exposure to high levels of gastric acid.

The use of lansoprazole may cause side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days or become severe.

Common side effects reported when taking lansoprazole include:

• Constipation
  
• Headache
  
• Dizziness
  
• Nausea
  
• Diarrhea
  

More serious side effects of lansoprazole include:

• Rash
  
• Blistering, peeling, or inflamed skin
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Flu-like symptoms
  
• Fatigue
  
• Sores on the lips, nose, and mouth
  
• Changes in urination frequency
  
• Changes in heartbeat
  
• Trembling
  
• Anxiety
  
• Lightheadedness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Severe diarrhea
  

If you experience any of the symptoms above, talk to a health care provider right away. These are signs of a serious adverse reaction and medical treatment is required.

As with all prescription medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with lansoprazole. Lansoprazole can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions. Specifically, let your doctor know if you are currently taking any antibiotics, anticoagulants, stimulants, bisphosphonates, or diuretics.

Finally, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with lansoprazole. If you become pregnant while taking lansoprazole, inform your health care provider immediately. Do not take this medication if you are currently breastfeeding.

Lansoprazole is commonly supplied as an orally disintegrating tablet or a delayed-release tablet that should be swallowed with juice or soft food like applesauce.

In some cases, lansoprazole may be prescribed with an oral syringe or nasogastric (NG) tube. Follow your provider’s directions about how to use these devices. Be sure to ask any questions you may have while at the provider’s office so that you can fully understand how best to use these application methods.

If lansoprazole has been prescribed in conjunction with an antibiotic as a treatment for ulcers caused by an H. pylori infection, you should take these medications at the same time.

If you have been given an orally disintegrating tablet, place the tablet on your tongue and wait for it to completely dissolve. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Swallow the dissolved tablet right away.

If you have been given a delayed-release tablet, swallow the capsule whole or swallow it with water or apple juice. If the tablet can not be swallowed, open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a tablespoon of applesauce or cottage cheese. Do not crush or chew the tablet.

The exact dosage of lansoprazole you will be given depends on your medical history, your age, and the severity of your condition.

Note that these are preliminary dosages. In all cases, your dosage may be adjusted as needed.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Keep all medication bottles out of reach of small children, and at room temperature. Avoid exposing the medication to excess heat or moisture. Seek medical attention right away if you begin to notice chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction (hives, rash, swelling) after taking the medicine.

Do not exceed the dosage prescribed, or discontinue the use of lansoprazole without consulting your health care provider first.

As a treatment for frequent heartburn and indigestion, certain doses of lansoprazole are available over the counter. Talk to a health care provider before taking over-the-counter lansoprazole to discuss the treatment plan that’s right for you.

Note that if you have been prescribed this medication as a treatment for ulcers, GERD, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, or erosive esophagitis, you should use prescription-strength lansoprazole. Over-the-counter lansoprazole is not strong enough to effectively treat these conditions.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not lansoprazole is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for lansoprazole to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.