Do you often get heartburn or chest pain? Or has your doctor told you that you have gastritis or stomach ulcers? Then you have probably been prescribed a medicine called Lansoprazole. This is a very useful medicine that many people use. So today, let's talk about this medicine, the correct way to use it, things to be careful about, and the side effects.
What is this medicine called Lansoprazole?
Simply put, Lansoprazole is a medicine that reduces the amount of acid produced in your stomach. It is when our stomach produces too much acid that things like heartburn, reflux, and stomach ulcers occur. This medicine belongs to a class of drugs called PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors).
Think of your stomach as having a little pump that makes acid. What a PPI does is temporarily stop the action of that acid-making 'pump'. As a result, the amount of acid in your stomach is controlled, and your symptoms improve.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start using Lansoprazole, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Mineral deficiency: If low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium have been confirmed in the blood.
- Lupus disease: If you have an autoimmune disease like lupus.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Lansoprazole or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is very important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
The correct way to use the medicine
This medicine usually comes in the form of granules that you dissolve in water and drink, not as a pill. It is very important to know exactly how to use this.
1. Drink before meals: To get the most out of this medicine, it is best to drink it on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before meals .
2. How to mix: Take two tablespoons of water (about 30 ml) and add the granules from the medicine packet to it.
3. Do not chew: Never chew or crush these cubes. Just put them in the water as is.
4. Drink immediately: Stir well and drink it all immediately after making it .
5. If there is any leftover medicine: If you see some medicine left in the glass or cup, add some more water, stir it up, and drink it. It is important to swallow the medicine completely so that it does not go to waste.
6. Do not mix this medicine with any other liquids (such as milk, fruit drinks) or with food, other than water.
7. Follow your doctor's instructions: Take your medicine exactly as prescribed, at the time your doctor prescribes. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
Children may require special care when using this medicine. Therefore, follow the instructions given by the child's doctor exactly.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose? (Missed Dose)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other drugs that may interact with Lansoprazole
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Lansoprazole, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) .
| Drug Interactions | |
|---|---|
| Never take Lansoprazole with these medications: | |
| Atazanavir | Nelfinavir |
| Take special care when taking Lansoprazole with these medicines: | |
| Ampicillin | Digoxin |
| Diuretics (drugs that increase urination) | Iron salts (iron tablets) |
| Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. Ketoconazole) | Sucralfate |
| Theophylline | Warfarin (blood thinner) |
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
Be aware of symptoms.
Your stomach pain should subside within a few days of starting the medication. However, if your condition does not improve, or if it gets worse, talk to your doctor right away.
Diarrhea
Some people may experience diarrhea while taking this medicine. If you have severe, watery diarrhea that lasts more than two days, do not self-medicate with over-the-counter medication. See a doctor immediately.
Effects of long-term use
- Weakening of bones: When PPIs like Lansoprazole are used continuously for more than a year , bones can become weak and the risk of bone fractures may increase slightly. So talk to your doctor about your bone health.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Taking this medicine for a long time may cause a decrease in the level of vitamin B12 in the body. Symptoms such as numbness in the limbs, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating may occur. Therefore, consult your doctor about eating foods rich in B12 and taking vitamin pills if necessary.
- Stomach Polyps: Very rarely, long-term use may cause small growths (polyps) in the stomach. These are usually not cancerous. However, if you experience pain when you press on your stomach, nausea, or black stools, tell your doctor.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Lansoprazole can cause side effects in some people. Please refer to the table below for more information.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Effects on the kidneys | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Decreased magnesium levels | Muscle pain or twitching, unusual weakness, fast heartbeat, tremors. |
| Decreased vitamin B12 levels | Pain in the arms and legs, numbness, muscle weakness, dizziness, confusion. |
| Severe skin reactions | Rashes on the cheeks or hands that worsen with sun exposure. Redness, blistering, peeling skin (even inside the mouth). |
| Other | Severe diarrhea, fever, unusual skin bruising or bleeding. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea, nausea, gas, headache, dry mouth. | These usually go away in a few days, but if they persist, tell your doctor. |
Take-Home Message
- Lansoprazole is a medicine that reduces stomach acid. It should always be taken on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before meals .
- Dissolve the tablets in water only, stir, and drink immediately. Do not chew the tablets.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you may have.
- If you are using this medicine for a long time, discuss bone health and vitamin B12 levels with your doctor.
- Seek medical advice immediately if severe diarrhea, allergic reactions, or other unusual symptoms occur.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න