Lansoprazole (By mouth)

Introduction:

Lansoprazole (lan-SOE-pra-zole)

Treats stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, and other conditions caused by too much stomach acid.

Brand Name(s):

Prevacid, Prevacid SoluTab, Prevpac, Prevacid NapraPAC 375, Prevacid NapraPAC 500, Prevacid DR, Prevacid Solutab

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Delayed Release Capsule, Powder, Tablet Disintegrating, Delayed Release

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Take this medicine before you eat. Do not crush or chew this medicine.
• Swallow the delayed-release capsule whole. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and pour the medicine into a tablespoon of applesauce, Ensure® pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, or strained pears. Stir this mixture well and drink it right away without chewing.
• You may also pour the medicine from the delayed-release capsule into 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of apple, tomato, or orange juice. Stir the mixture well, and drink it right away without chewing. Then pour a small amount of water into the glass you mixed the medicine in and drink all of the water. This will assure that you swallow any medicine leftover inside the glass.
• If you use the disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not swallow the tablet whole. Place it on your tongue and allow it to melt for about 1 minute. After the tablet has melted, swallow the medicine or drink some water to wash it down.
• The disintegrating tablet may also be given in an oral syringe or through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube. Place the tablet into a syringe and then draw water into the syringe. For the 15-mg tablet, use 4 mL of water. For the 30-mg tablet, use 10 mL of water. Use the marks on the side of the syringe to measure the water. Shake the syringe gently to help the tablet dissolve in the water. Use this mixture within 15 minutes.
• If you use the packet of powder, the label will say "For Delayed-Release Oral Suspension." To mix the powder, open the packet and pour the powder into 2 tablespoons (about 1/8 cup) of water only. Do not mix the medicine with any other liquid or food. Stir this mixture and drink it right away. Add some more water to the glass and then drink the water, to make sure you swallow all the medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using ampicillin, digoxin (Lanoxin®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), sucralfate (Carafate®), or theophylline. Your doctor should know if you use a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or an iron supplement such as ferrous sulfate or ferric gluconate.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco. Smoking and drinking alcohol can increase the amount of stomach acid produced.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have liver disease.
• This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). Tell your doctor if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU).

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Black, tarry stools, bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Blistering, red, peeling skin rash.
• Chest pain.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain.
• Dry mouth, trouble swallowing.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: