Lansoprazole 30mg capsules are a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production to treat acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, and stomach ulcers. Taken once daily before meals, they provide effective relief and promote healing of acid-related damage.
Lansoprazole 30mg capsules are a prescription medication used to treat conditions caused by excess stomach acid. They come in a convenient capsule form, designed to release the active ingredient gradually, providing lasting relief. The capsules are typically small, easy to swallow, and contain lansoprazole as the active substance.
These capsules work by targeting the proton pumps in the stomach lining, which are responsible for producing acid. By reducing acid production, lansoprazole helps heal inflammation and ulcers, and alleviates uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion.
Lansoprazole 30mg capsules are often prescribed for:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Peptic ulcers
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a rare condition causing excess acid)
Prevention of ulcers caused by NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection when combined with antibiotics [1], [2], [3].
Additional information
Quantity
1 x 28, 2 x 28, 3 x 28
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An in-depth guide to lansoprazole 30mg capsules: uses, dosage, side effects, and everything you need to know
Lansoprazole 30mg capsules are a widely used medication designed to help relieve symptoms of acid-related stomach issues, such as heartburn, indigestion, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
This guide covers everything from how lansoprazole works, its benefits, dosage instructions, and potential side effects, to help you make informed decisions about your treatment. Whether you’re new to lansoprazole or considering it as an option, this article provides clear, trustworthy information to support your health journey.
Five key takeaways
Lansoprazole 30mg capsules belong to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that reduce stomach acid production.
They are commonly prescribed for heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, and stomach ulcers.
The usual dose for adults is 30mg once daily, taken before meals for optimal effects.
Side effects are generally mild but can include headache, nausea, and digestive discomfort.
Potential risks of vitamin B12 deficiency with long term use.
Overview
Lansoprazole 30mg capsules are a cornerstone treatment for acid-related digestive conditions. By inhibiting the proton pumps in your stomach lining, they significantly reduce acid production, allowing inflamed tissues to heal and symptoms to improve.
This medication is suitable for a range of conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), peptic ulcers, and acid-related damage caused by drugs like NSAIDs. It provides both symptom relief and promotes healing, making it a trusted choice for many patients.
Taking lansoprazole correctly—usually once a day before meals—is essential to maximise its benefits. Patients should be aware of potential side effects, which are generally mild. However, long-term use requires medical supervision to avoid complications, such as vitamin B12 deficiency.
Lansoprazole capsules are available on prescription and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If you experience persistent symptoms or side effects, it’s important to consult your doctor to adjust treatment as needed [1], [2], [3].
Active ingredient
Lansoprazole is the active ingredient in these capsules. It belongs to the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) class of drugs, which work by selectively blocking the hydrogen-potassium ATPase enzyme system (proton pumps) in the stomach lining.
By inhibiting these pumps, lansoprazole prevents the final step in acid production, reducing the volume and acidity of gastric secretions. This action helps prevent and heal damage to the oesophagus and stomach caused by excess acid [3].
Lansoprazole is a generic medication but is also available under brand names such as Zoton FasTabs. The 30mg dose provides a balance between efficacy and tolerability for many patients [3].
What is it for?
Lansoprazole 30mg capsules are prescribed to treat and prevent conditions caused by excess stomach acid. This includes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), where acid reflux causes heartburn and damage to the oesophagus.
They are also used to treat peptic ulcers, which are painful sores on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection or long-term use of NSAIDs.
Additionally, lansoprazole can be used to prevent ulcers in people taking medications that increase the risk of stomach irritation. In rare cases, it is prescribed for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition characterised by excessive acid production [1], [2].
How does it work?
Lansoprazole works by blocking the proton pumps in the stomach lining that produce gastric acid. These pumps are responsible for secreting hydrogen ions, which combine with chloride ions to form hydrochloric acid.
By inhibiting these pumps, lansoprazole reduces the amount of acid produced, leading to less irritation and allowing damaged tissues to heal. This mechanism also helps alleviate symptoms such as heartburn, a sour taste, and indigestion caused by acid reflux.
Unlike antacids, which neutralise existing acid, lansoprazole reduces acid production at its source, providing longer-lasting relief.
The drug’s effect begins within a few hours of the first dose but may take several days to reach full effectiveness. Consistent daily use as prescribed is essential for optimal results [1], [2], [4].
How to use it?
Take lansoprazole 30mg capsules exactly as your doctor prescribes. Typically, this means swallowing one capsule daily with a glass of water before breakfast.
Avoid crushing or chewing the capsules, as this can affect how the medicine is released and absorbed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next dose. Do not double up doses to make up for a missed one.
It’s important to continue treatment for the full prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve early, to ensure complete healing [1], [2].
Warnings and precautions
Before taking lansoprazole, inform your doctor if you have allergies to PPIs or any other medications.
Discuss your complete medical history, especially if you have liver disease, osteoporosis, low magnesium levels, or a history of gastrointestinal infections.
Lansoprazole may mask symptoms of more serious conditions such as stomach cancer, so if you experience unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, or difficulty swallowing, seek medical advice promptly.
Important safety information about lansoprazole
Before treating a stomach ulcer with lansoprazole, doctors need to rule out the chance of stomach cancer. This is because lansoprazole can hide the symptoms and delay diagnosis.
Lansoprazole should not be taken with certain HIV medicines (like atazanavir and nelfinavir) because it can stop them from working correctly.
Long-term use of lansoprazole may reduce how well your body absorbs vitamin B12, which could cause a deficiency over time.
People with liver problems should use lansoprazole carefully, especially if the disease is moderate or severe.
Like other acid-reducing medicines, it may slightly increase your risk of gut infections such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and Clostridium difficile.
Stomach ulcers may sometimes be caused by H. pylori infection, so this should be checked. If antibiotics are needed, follow their instructions carefully.
If treatment lasts more than a year, your doctor should review it regularly to make sure the benefits still outweigh the risks.
Rarely, lansoprazole can cause inflammation of the bowel (colitis). If you develop severe or persistent diarrhoea, stop taking the medicine and consult your doctor.
It is mainly recommended for people at high risk of ulcers when taking long-term painkillers like NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen).
Very low magnesium levels can happen after 3 months or more of use, especially if also taking water tablets (diuretics) or digoxin. Symptoms may include fatigue, muscle spasms, confusion, dizziness, or irregular heartbeats. Magnesium levels may need to be checked before and during treatment.
Long-term or high-dose use may slightly raise the risk of bone fractures (hip, wrist, spine), especially in older adults or those with osteoporosis. Patients should get enough vitamin D and calcium.
Rarely, lansoprazole can cause a skin reaction called subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). If you notice a rash in sun-exposed areas, accompanied by joint pain, see a doctor immediately.
Lansoprazole can affect some blood test results (e.g. Chromogranin A levels). Your doctor may ask you to stop taking it for 5–14 days before specific tests.
It contains small amounts of sucrose and sodium. People with rare sugar intolerances should avoid it, but it is essentially sodium-free.
Long-term use may require monitoring for vitamin B12 deficiency and bone health. Always follow your doctor’s guidance and report any unusual symptoms [1], [2], [4].
Side effects
Common side effects of lansoprazole 30mg capsules include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and dizziness. These are usually mild and often improve as your body adjusts to them.
Less common effects may include rash, joint pain, or swelling. Severe allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention.
Possible side effects of lansoprazole
Like all medicines, lansoprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone will get them.
Blood problems
Rare: low red blood cells (anaemia), low white cells, or low platelets (can cause tiredness, infections, or easy bruising).
Very rare: very low blood counts affecting several cell types.
Immune reactions
Very rare: serious allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock).
Changes in body salts
Rare: low magnesium levels (may cause tiredness, muscle cramps, or irregular heartbeat).
Mental health
Uncommon: depression.
Rare: sleep problems, confusion, or seeing/hearing things (hallucinations).
Nerves and brain
Common: headache, dizziness.
Rare: feeling restless, drowsy, shaky, tingling sensations, or spinning (vertigo).
Stomach and gut
Common: nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation, wind, vomiting, dry mouth or throat, small harmless stomach polyps.
Rare: sore tongue, fungal infection in the gullet, taste changes, inflamed pancreas.
Very rare: colitis (inflamed bowel), mouth ulcers.
Liver and gallbladder
Common: raised liver enzymes (seen in blood tests).
Rare: hair loss, unusual bruising, sun sensitivity, red patches.
Very rare: serious skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Not known: lupus-like rash (SCLE).
Muscles and bones
Rare: joint or muscle pain.
Long-term use may slightly increase the risk of bone fractures (hip, wrist, spine).
General
Common: tiredness.
Rare: swelling, sweating, fever, loss of appetite, impotence.
Seek medical help immediately if you notice:
Sudden rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing (allergic reaction).
Severe or persistent diarrhoea.
Painful rash with blisters or peeling skin.
Long-term use has been associated with increased risk of bone fractures, low magnesium, and vitamin B12 deficiency, so regular monitoring is important for extended treatment [1], [2].
Drug interactions
Lansoprazole can interact with several medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects.
How lansoprazole can affect other medicines
Medicines that need stomach acid to be absorbed: Lansoprazole reduces stomach acid, which can stop some medicines from working correctly.
HIV medicines (like atazanavir and nelfinavir) should not be taken with lansoprazole because it reduces how much of the medicine your body absorbs.
Antifungal medicines (ketoconazole and itraconazole) may not work as well if taken with lansoprazole. It’s best to avoid this combination.
Heart and circulation medicines:
Digoxin levels in the blood may rise if taken with lansoprazole. Doctors may check blood levels and adjust the dose.
Warfarin (a blood thinner) may interact with lansoprazole. This can make blood thinner than intended and increase the risk of serious bleeding. Blood tests (INR and clotting time) may need closer monitoring.
Cancer and immune medicines:
Methotrexate, when used in high doses, may stay in the body longer and cause side effects. Doctors may pause lansoprazole while methotrexate is being given.
Tacrolimus levels may rise a lot when taken with lansoprazole, so blood levels should be monitored closely.
Asthma and breathing medicines:
Theophylline levels may drop if taken with lansoprazole, meaning it may not work as well.
Other medicines affected by the liver (CYP3A4 enzyme):
Lansoprazole may raise the levels of medicines broken down by this enzyme, especially those with a “narrow safety range.” Doctors may need to monitor more carefully.
Other possible interactions:
Lansoprazole may interact with the transport protein P-glycoprotein (though the importance of this in real life is not evident).
Sucralfate and antacids can reduce how well lansoprazole works. Lansoprazole should be taken at least 1 hour after these.
How other medicines can affect lansoprazole
Some antidepressants (like fluvoxamine) may increase lansoprazole levels up to 4 times. Your doctor may lower your lansoprazole dose.
Enzyme inducers (such as rifampicin or St John’s Wort) can reduce how well lansoprazole works.
No significant interactions have been found with painkillers such as NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), although formal studies are limited.
Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking to avoid harmful interactions.
Do not start or stop any medications without consulting your doctor while on lansoprazole [1], [2], [4].
Lansoprazole 30mg capsules FAQs
What are lansoprazole 30mg capsules used for?
Lansoprazole 30mg capsules treat acid-related stomach conditions like heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers.
How do lansoprazole 30mg capsules work?
They reduce stomach acid by blocking proton pumps in the stomach lining.
How should I take lansoprazole 30mg capsules?
Take one capsule daily before breakfast with water, as prescribed by your doctor.
Can I take lansoprazole long-term?
Long-term use is possible, but it requires medical supervision to monitor for potential side effects.
Are there any side effects?
Common side effects include headache, nausea, and diarrhoea. Serious effects are rare.
Can I drink alcohol while taking lansoprazole?
Moderate alcohol may be safe, but excess can worsen symptoms.
What if I miss a dose?
Please take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s near the next dose; don’t double-dose.
Can lansoprazole cause weight gain?
No direct evidence links lansoprazole to weight gain.
Is lansoprazole safe during pregnancy?
Consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can I buy lansoprazole over the counter?
Lansoprazole 30mg capsules require a prescription.
How long does it take to work?
Symptoms may improve within days, but the full effect can take up to four weeks to be fully realised.
What if lansoprazole doesn’t work?
Your doctor may adjust your dose or try alternative treatments.
Can I take lansoprazole with other medications?
Some drugs interact with lansoprazole; always inform your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking lansoprazole?
Avoid foods and drinks that trigger symptoms, like spicy or acidic items.
Can lansoprazole cause vitamin B12 deficiency?
Long-term use may reduce vitamin B12 absorption; monitoring is advised.
What are the alternatives to lansoprazole?
Other PPIs, such as omeprazole or H2 blockers, may be options.
Can lansoprazole cause allergies?
Rarely, severe allergic reactions can occur; seek emergency help if needed.
How should I store lansoprazole capsules?
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
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