Generic name: lansoprazole [ lan-SOE-pra-zol ]
Brand names: FIRST Lansoprazole, Prevacid
Drug class:Proton pump inhibitors
What is lansoprazole?
Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. Lansoprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Lansoprazole is used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Over-the-counter lansoprazole (Prevacid OTC) is used to treat frequent heartburn that happens 2 or more days per week. This medicine is not for the immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.
Warnings
Lansoprazole can cause kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you are urinating less than usual, or if you have blood in your urine.
This medicine can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. Call your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it.
Lansoprazole may cause new or worsening symptoms of lupus. Tell your doctor if you have joint pain and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.
You may be more likely to have a broken bone while taking this medicine long term or more than once per day.
If you also take sucralfate (Carafate), avoid taking it at the same time you take this medicine. Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb lansoprazole. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine before you take sucralfate.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use lansoprazole if you are allergic to it, or if you take any medicine that contains
