Lansoprazole 15mg

Lansoprazole 15mg Uses

Lansoprazole 15mg is prescribed to:

• Treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and associated heartburn.
• Heal and prevent stomach ulcers, including those caused by H. pylori infection.
• Manage Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition characterized by excessive stomach acid production.
• Reduce acid reflux and associated symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing and persistent cough.

How Does Lansoprazole 15mg Work

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that blocks the enzyme in the stomach lining responsible for acid production. By reducing stomach acid, it relieves symptoms, allows the esophagus and stomach to heal, and prevents the recurrence of acid-related conditions.

How to Use Lansoprazole 15mg

• Take Lansoprazole 15mg exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily.
• Swallow the capsule whole with water, preferably in the morning before a meal.
• Do not crush or chew the capsule, as this may affect its effectiveness.
• For H. pylori treatment, Lansoprazole is often combined with antibiotics; follow your doctor’s instructions closely.
• Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve early.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Headache
• Stomach pain or gas

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions, such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Low magnesium levels, with symptoms like muscle cramps or irregular heartbeat
• Severe diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile infection
• Bone fractures with long-term or high-dose use

Drug Interactions

Lansoprazole 15mg may interact with:

• Blood thinners like warfarin, which may require dosage adjustments.
• Antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole, which may be less effective with reduced stomach acid.
• Clopidogrel, a blood thinner that may have reduced efficacy when taken with Lansoprazole.
• Digoxin or certain diuretics, which may increase the risk of low magnesium levels.

Food Interactions

• Lansoprazole 15mg is most effective when taken before meals.
• Avoid alcohol and foods that may trigger acid reflux, such as spicy or fatty foods, to enhance the medication’s effectiveness.

Lansoprazole 15mg Contraindications

This medication is not suitable for:

• Individuals allergic to Lansoprazole or any other proton pump inhibitors.
• Patients with severe liver impairment unless closely monitored by a healthcare provider.

Precautions and Warnings

• Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, osteoporosis, or magnesium deficiency.
• Long-term use may increase the risk of bone fractures, especially in older adults.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using Lansoprazole.
• Do not stop taking Lansoprazole abruptly without medical advice, as this may cause a rebound effect.

Storage

• Store Lansoprazole 15mg capsules at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Keep the capsules in their original packaging and out of reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of unused or expired capsules responsibly, following local disposal regulations.

Safety Information

• Use Lansoprazole 15mg only as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration of treatment.
• Report any unusual symptoms, such as severe diarrhea, persistent stomach pain, or allergic reactions, to your healthcare provider immediately.