Lansoprazole 30mg DR Caps
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided to you and follow the instructions closely. Take your medication before meals, as directed by your healthcare provider.
It's essential to continue taking your medication even if you start feeling well. If you're also taking sucralfate, take your medication at least 30 minutes before taking sucralfate.
Swallowing Your Medication
Swallow your medication whole, without chewing or crushing it. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you can sprinkle the contents on a small amount of soft food, such as:
1 tablespoon (15 mL) of applesauce
Ensureยฎ pudding
Cottage cheese
Yogurt
* Strained pears
Do not chew the granules. Alternatively, you can mix the contents of the capsule with 60 mL of apple, orange, or tomato juice. Swallow the mixture right away, without chewing the granules.
Using a Feeding Tube
If you have a feeding tube, you can still use this medication. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider, and flush the feeding tube after administering the medication.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Protect it from heat, and keep the lid tightly closed.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take the capsule whole, do not crush, chew, or open it. If you have difficulty swallowing, discuss alternative formulations (e.g., orally disintegrating tablet, suspension) with your doctor.
- Take Lansoprazole at least 30 minutes before a meal, preferably in the morning.
- Avoid trigger foods that worsen acid reflux (e.g., spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, citrus, tomatoes).
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoid lying down for at least 3 hours after eating.
- Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Lansoprazole 15mg DR Capsules
- Lansoprazole 30mg DR Capsules
- Lansoprazole ODT 15mg Tablets
- Lansoprazole ODT 30mg Tablets
- Lansoprazole ODT 15mg Tablets
- Lansoprazole ODT 30mg Tablets
- Lansoprazole 15mg DR Capsules (otc)
- Lansoprazole 30mg DR Caps
- Lansoprazole ODT 15mg Tablets
- Lansoprazole ODT 30mg Tablets
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching or red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of electrolyte problems, including:
+ Mood changes or confusion
+ Muscle pain, cramps, or spasms
+ Weakness or shakiness
+ Changes in balance
+ Abnormal heartbeat or seizures
+ Loss of appetite or severe upset stomach or vomiting
Signs of kidney problems, such as:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Dizziness or fainting
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Pale skin
Bone pain
This medication may increase the risk of a severe form of diarrhea called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD). If you experience stomach pain or cramps, very loose or watery stools, or bloody stools, contact your doctor immediately. Do not attempt to treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor first.
Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious reactions, may occur with this medication. These reactions can be life-threatening and may also affect internal organs. Seek medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
Red or irritated eyes
Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin
Fever or chills
Body aches or shortness of breath
Swollen glands
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug may cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that concern you, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Headache
Constipation
Stomach pain or diarrhea
* Upset stomach
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe or persistent stomach pain
- Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Signs of low magnesium (muscle spasms, tremors, irregular heartbeats, seizures)
- Signs of kidney problems (little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath)
- New or worsening heartburn after stopping the medication (rebound acid hypersecretion)
- Any new or worsening symptoms, especially difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, vomiting blood, or black/tarry stools (these could indicate a more serious condition).
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, such as:
+ Black or bloody stools
+ Heartburn accompanied by lightheadedness, sweating, dizziness, or wheezing
+ Chest pain
+ Shoulder pain with shortness of breath
+ Pain that radiates to the arms, neck, or shoulders
+ Lightheadedness
+ Excessive sweating
+ Vomiting blood
+ Difficulty or pain when swallowing food
Concurrent use of specific medications, including:
+ Atazanavir
+ Methotrexate
+ Nelfinavir
+ Rilpivirine
+ Warfarin
Use of rifampin or St. John's wort, as these may interact with this medication
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to disclose all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems, to your doctor and pharmacist. This will enable them to verify the safety of taking this medication in conjunction with your other treatments and health conditions. Never initiate, discontinue, or adjust the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
If you are taking this medication, it is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, about your treatment.
Risk of Fractures
This medication may increase the risk of hip, spine, and wrist fractures in individuals with weak bones (osteoporosis). The risk may be higher if you take high doses or use this medication for more than a year, or if you are over 50 years old. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as drinking alcohol, smoking, taking steroids, or having a family history of osteoporosis, exercise caution and discuss your risks with your doctor.
Low Magnesium Levels
Rarely, people taking medications like this one for at least 3 months may experience low magnesium levels, which can lead to other electrolyte problems. This typically occurs after 1 year of treatment. Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your magnesium levels.
Low Vitamin B-12 Levels
Long-term treatment (more than 3 years) with medications like this one can cause low vitamin B-12 levels. Be aware of the signs of low vitamin B-12 levels, including shortness of breath, dizziness, abnormal heartbeat, muscle weakness, pale skin, tiredness, mood changes, or numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Lupus
This medication has been associated with the development or worsening of lupus. If you have lupus, inform your doctor. Be aware of the signs of lupus, such as a rash on the cheeks or other body parts, changes in skin color, easy sunburn, muscle or joint pain, chest pain or shortness of breath, or swelling in the arms or legs. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
Stomach Growths
The risk of stomach growths called fundic gland polyps may be higher in people who take this medication for more than 1 year. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
Lab Tests
This medication may affect certain lab tests. Inform all your healthcare providers and lab workers that you are taking this medication.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor.
Children
This medication is not recommended for children under 1 year of age, as it may harm them. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks. If your child has been prescribed this medication, ask your doctor about the benefits and risks, and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- No specific symptoms of overdose have been reported with lansoprazole. Symptoms are generally minimal and consistent with adverse effects seen at therapeutic doses (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain).
What to Do:
There is no specific antidote. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Lansoprazole is not significantly removed by hemodialysis. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) immediately for advice.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Rilpivirine (concurrent use with PPIs can significantly reduce rilpivirine exposure, leading to loss of virologic response and possible resistance)
Major Interactions
- Clopidogrel (reduced antiplatelet effect due to CYP2C19 inhibition, though clinical significance debated for lansoprazole compared to omeprazole)
- Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels, especially with high-dose methotrexate, due to inhibition of renal elimination)
- Tacrolimus (increased tacrolimus levels)
- Warfarin (potential for increased INR/bleeding, monitor closely)
- Dasatinib, Erlotinib, Pazopanib, Sunitinib (reduced absorption of these pH-dependent drugs)
- Mycophenolate Mofetil (reduced mycophenolic acid exposure)
Moderate Interactions
- Digoxin (increased digoxin levels)
- Iron salts (reduced absorption of iron)
- Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Posaconazole (reduced absorption of these pH-dependent antifungals)
- Atazanavir, Nelfinavir (reduced absorption of these pH-dependent antiretrovirals)
- Sucralfate (delays lansoprazole absorption; administer lansoprazole at least 30 minutes before sucralfate)
- Theophylline (minor increase in theophylline clearance, generally not clinically significant)
- Fluvoxamine (increased lansoprazole exposure due to CYP2C19 inhibition)
Minor Interactions
- Antacids (can be taken concurrently, but separate by at least 1 hour if possible)
- Diazepam (minor increase in diazepam half-life)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess severity and track treatment response.
Timing: Before initiation of therapy.
Rationale: Consider for patients expected to be on long-term therapy (e.g., >1 year) or those taking other drugs that can cause hypomagnesemia (e.g., diuretics).
Timing: Before initiation of long-term therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly, as clinically indicated (e.g., weekly initially, then monthly)
Target: Significant reduction or elimination of acid-related symptoms.
Action Threshold: Persistent or worsening symptoms may require dose adjustment, alternative therapy, or further diagnostic workup.
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months) for patients on long-term therapy or at risk.
Target: Normal serum magnesium levels (1.7-2.2 mg/dL).
Action Threshold: If hypomagnesemia develops, consider magnesium supplementation or discontinuation of PPI if clinically appropriate.
Frequency: Consider for patients on very long-term therapy (e.g., >3-5 years) or those with risk factors for B12 deficiency.
Target: Normal serum Vitamin B12 levels.
Action Threshold: If deficiency develops, consider supplementation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Persistent or worsening heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Black, tarry stools (melena)
- Vomiting blood (hematemesis)
- New or worsening abdominal pain
- Muscle cramps, weakness, tremors (signs of hypomagnesemia)
- Unusual fatigue, pallor, numbness/tingling (signs of B12 deficiency)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Lansoprazole is classified as Pregnancy Category B. Animal studies have not shown harm to the fetus, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Lansoprazole is excreted in human milk. The amount is small, and adverse effects on the infant are unlikely. However, caution should be exercised when lansoprazole is administered to a nursing mother. The Lactation Risk Category is L3 (Moderately Safe).
Pediatric Use
Approved for use in children 1 year and older for certain indications (GERD, erosive esophagitis). Dosing is weight-based for younger children. Safety and effectiveness in infants younger than 1 year have not been established.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients. However, due to potential for decreased hepatic function in the elderly, dose adjustment may be considered in severe hepatic impairment. Elderly patients may be at increased risk for C. difficile-associated diarrhea and bone fractures.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Take lansoprazole before the first meal of the day for optimal acid suppression.
- For patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules, lansoprazole is available as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) or a delayed-release oral suspension.
- Long-term PPI use (especially >1 year) has been associated with an increased risk of hypomagnesemia, C. difficile infection, and bone fractures (hip, wrist, spine). Periodically assess the need for continued therapy.
- Rebound acid hypersecretion can occur upon discontinuation of PPIs, leading to a return of symptoms. Tapering the dose may be considered for patients on long-term therapy.
- Lansoprazole is less likely to interact with clopidogrel compared to omeprazole, but caution is still advised, especially in patients at high cardiovascular risk.
Alternative Therapies
- H2 Receptor Antagonists (e.g., famotidine, ranitidine [withdrawn], cimetidine)
- Antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox, Mylanta)
- Prokinetics (e.g., metoclopramide, domperidone [not available in US])
- Sucralfate
- Alginates (e.g., Gaviscon)
Cost & Coverage
General Drug Facts
This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, a patient fact sheet that provides crucial information. Please read it carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide detailed information about the incident, including the medication taken, the quantity, and the time it occurred.