Lansoprazole 30mg DR Capsules
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 as prescribed, even if you start to feel well. If you also take sucralfate, be sure to take this 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 be sure to flush the feeding tube after administering the medication.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To keep your medication effective, store it 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 this medication exactly as prescribed, usually once daily before a meal (e.g., breakfast).
- Swallow the capsule whole; do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.
- If you have trouble swallowing, some capsules can be opened and the granules sprinkled on a tablespoon of applesauce or mixed with certain juices (check specific instructions for your product).
- Avoid trigger foods that worsen acid reflux (e.g., spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, citrus, chocolate).
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoid lying down for at least 3 hours after eating.
- Elevate the head of your bed if you experience nighttime reflux.
- Quit smoking, as it can worsen acid reflux.
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 immediately or seek medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of electrolyte problems, including:
+ Mood changes
+ Confusion
+ Muscle pain, cramps, or spasms
+ Weakness
+ Shakiness
+ Change in balance
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Seizures
+ Loss of appetite
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
Signs of kidney problems, such as:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Change 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 any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:
Stomach pain or cramps
Very loose or watery stools
Bloody stools
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 affect other organs. Seek medical help immediately if you notice:
Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
Red or irritated eyes
Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin
Fever
Chills
Body aches
Shortness of breath
Swollen glands
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or may only have mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that concern you, contact your doctor:
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 diarrhea (may indicate C. difficile infection)
- Unusual fatigue, dizziness, or muscle weakness (signs of low magnesium or B12)
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- New or worsening bone pain
- Any signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
- Black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds (signs of bleeding)
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
Current medications, including:
+ Atazanavir
+ Methotrexate
+ Nelfinavir
+ Rilpivirine
+ Warfarin
Concurrent use of:
+ Rifampin
+ St. John's wort
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. It is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure safe use. Never start, stop, 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, particularly in individuals with weak bones (osteoporosis). The risk may be higher if you take high doses or use the 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 this medication 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 this medication has been associated with 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 linked to the development of lupus, as well as worsening of existing lupus. If you have lupus, inform your doctor. Be vigilant for 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 notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
Stomach Growths
Taking this medication for more than 1 year may increase the risk of stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. If you have 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, consult your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks to you and your baby.
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 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 known adverse effects.
What to Do:
In case of suspected overdose, contact a poison control center immediately (e.g., 1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical attention. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Rilpivirine (due to significant reduction in rilpivirine exposure)
- Atazanavir (due to significant reduction in atazanavir exposure)
Major Interactions
- Clopidogrel (reduced antiplatelet effect due to CYP2C19 inhibition)
- Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels and toxicity)
- Nelfinavir (reduced nelfinavir exposure)
- Dasatinib, Erlotinib, Pazopanib, Sunitinib (reduced absorption of these tyrosine kinase inhibitors)
Moderate Interactions
- Iron salts (reduced absorption of iron)
- Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Posaconazole (reduced absorption due to increased gastric pH)
- Mycophenolate mofetil (reduced mycophenolic acid exposure)
- Tacrolimus (increased tacrolimus levels)
- Warfarin (potential for increased INR/bleeding, monitor closely)
- Digoxin (increased digoxin absorption/levels)
- Sucralfate (delays lansoprazole absorption, administer lansoprazole at least 30 minutes before sucralfate)
Minor Interactions
- Diazepam (prolonged elimination)
- Phenytoin (potential for increased phenytoin levels)
Monitoring
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically, especially with long-term use (โฅ3 months) or concomitant diuretics.
Target: Normal range (e.g., 1.7-2.2 mg/dL)
Action Threshold: If low, consider supplementation or discontinuation of PPI.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with long-term use (โฅ2-3 years).
Target: Normal range (e.g., 200-900 pg/mL)
Action Threshold: If low, consider supplementation.
Frequency: Consider for patients at risk for osteoporosis with long-term, high-dose therapy.
Target: T-score > -1.0 (normal)
Action Threshold: If osteopenia/osteoporosis, consider alternative therapy or bone-protective measures.
Symptom Monitoring
- Resolution of GERD symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation)
- Dysphagia
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea (especially persistent, watery diarrhea, suggestive of C. difficile infection)
- Signs of hypomagnesemia (e.g., muscle cramps, tremors, arrhythmias)
- Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency (e.g., fatigue, paresthesias)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Lansoprazole is generally considered low risk during pregnancy. Human data from observational studies and meta-analyses have not shown an increased risk of major birth defects or adverse pregnancy outcomes. Use only if clearly needed.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Lansoprazole is present in breast milk. While the amount is likely low and adverse effects on the infant are not expected, caution is advised. Consider the benefits of breastfeeding versus the potential risks to the infant.
Pediatric Use
Approved for use in children 1 year and older for GERD/erosive esophagitis, and in children โฅ3 years for H. pylori eradication. Dosing is weight-based for younger children. Long-term safety data in pediatric populations is limited, and potential risks (e.g., bone fractures, C. difficile) should be considered.
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 higher risk for bone fractures and C. difficile infection with long-term use.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Lansoprazole is a prodrug that requires an acidic environment for activation, hence it should be taken before a meal (typically 30-60 minutes before breakfast) to maximize its effect on active proton pumps.
- The delayed-release formulation is designed to protect the drug from stomach acid until it reaches the small intestine for absorption.
- Long-term PPI use (especially >1 year) has been associated with an increased risk of bone fractures (hip, wrist, spine), C. difficile-associated diarrhea, and hypomagnesemia. Periodically assess the need for continued therapy.
- Patients on long-term PPIs should be monitored for vitamin B12 deficiency, especially those with risk factors.
- Avoid concomitant use with clopidogrel due to reduced antiplatelet effect; consider alternative antiplatelet therapy or acid suppression if possible.
- For patients with difficulty swallowing capsules, some formulations allow for opening the capsule and sprinkling the granules on soft food or mixing with certain liquids (check product-specific instructions).
Alternative Therapies
- H2 Receptor Antagonists (e.g., Famotidine, Ranitidine [if available], Cimetidine)
- Antacids (for symptomatic relief)
- Prokinetics (e.g., Metoclopramide, for motility disorders)
- Surgery (e.g., Nissen fundoplication for severe GERD)