A proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Lansoprazole
A proton pump inhibitor much like omeprazole, with a melt-in-mouth form useful for swallowing difficulty.
What is Lansoprazole?
Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), very similar to omeprazole, that strongly reduces stomach acid. It is used for acid reflux and heartburn, to treat and prevent ulcers, and to protect the stomach in people taking medicines that can irritate it.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Lansoprazole — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) very similar to omeprazole. It strongly reduces stomach acid and is used for acid reflux (GORD) and heartburn, to heal and prevent stomach and duodenal ulcers, and to protect the stomach in people taking anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs). A distinctive feature is that it is available as an orodispersible tablet — a "melt-in-the-mouth" form — which is helpful for people who find swallowing capsules difficult. It is taken once daily, usually for a defined course.
How it works
Like other PPIs, lansoprazole switches off the proton pumps in the stomach lining — the final step that secretes acid. Blocking these pumps directly cuts acid production substantially, allowing an inflamed gullet or an ulcer to heal and easing reflux. The pumps are most active when triggered by food, which is why lansoprazole, too, works best taken shortly before a meal.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Takeda.
Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor developed by the Japanese company Takeda. It was first launched in Europe in 1991 and approved by the FDA in 1995, marketed as Prevacid and in the UK as Zoton.
What it treats
Conditions Lansoprazole is used for
Practical use
How to take Lansoprazole
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Usually taken once a day before a meal, often in the morning.
- Swallow the capsule whole; orodispersible forms are available for people who struggle to swallow — ask your pharmacist.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is near, then skip it.
- For short-term heartburn it is taken as a limited course rather than indefinitely.
- If used long-term, check with your doctor before stopping, as acid symptoms can briefly rebound.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Lansoprazole
Advantages
- Effective acid suppression and ulcer healing.
- Once-daily dosing with an orodispersible option.
- Cheap, well-established generic.
- Useful gastric protection alongside anti-inflammatory painkillers.
Disadvantages
- Long-term use is linked to lower magnesium and vitamin B12 and possible bone effects.
- Can interact with some other medicines.
- May slightly raise the risk of certain gut infections.
- Best reviewed regularly rather than taken indefinitely without need.
Practical use
Good to know
As with omeprazole, lansoprazole is best taken before food. The orodispersible ("FasTab") form is placed on the tongue and dissolves, so it can be taken without water — handy for swallowing difficulties or when on the go. The same long-term considerations apply: when used over long periods the need should be reviewed periodically, with possible effects on vitamin B12 and magnesium, a small association with bone fractures, and possible rebound acid on stopping abruptly. Lansoprazole has fewer concerns than omeprazole when combined with clopidogrel. Red-flag symptoms — difficulty swallowing, unintended weight loss, black stools — need assessment rather than simply more acid suppression.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had an allergic reaction to lansoprazole or other PPIs.
- Used with review in significant liver disease, and where red-flag symptoms (difficulty swallowing, weight loss, vomiting blood or black stools) suggest something that needs investigation first.
- In pregnancy and breastfeeding it is used when clearly needed and after weighing it up — discuss with your prescriber.
Monitoring
- Symptom response and whether ongoing treatment is still needed (periodic review)
- Magnesium and vitamin B12 with long-term use, as advised
- Any red-flag symptoms, which prompt review rather than dose changes
Side effects
- Often well tolerated. Headache, and digestive changes such as wind, constipation or diarrhoea, are the most common.
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort in some people.
- With long-term use, occasionally low magnesium or vitamin B12, and a small association with bone fractures and gut infections — which is why the need is reviewed periodically.
Key interactions
- Medicines whose absorption depends on stomach acid (e.g. certain antifungals and some HIV medicines) can be affected.
- Lansoprazole has fewer interaction concerns with clopidogrel than omeprazole, so it is often preferred where stomach protection is needed alongside clopidogrel.
- Care with methotrexate and digoxin; always check new medicines with a pharmacist.
Available as: Capsules and an orodispersible ("melt-in-the-mouth") tablet; a liquid is also available for those who cannot swallow.
Answers
Lansoprazole: frequently asked questions
When should I take lansoprazole?
As a rule, before food — often before breakfast. The acid pumps it blocks are switched on by eating, so taking it shortly beforehand lets it work most effectively.
What is the orodispersible (FasTab) form for?
It is a tablet that melts on the tongue and dissolves without needing water, which is useful if you find swallowing capsules difficult or you are away from a drink. It still works the same way as the capsule.
How is lansoprazole different from omeprazole?
They are closely related PPIs that work the same way and have similar long-term considerations. Two practical differences: lansoprazole comes in a melt-in-the-mouth form, and it has fewer interaction concerns with clopidogrel, so it is often preferred for people on that medicine.
Is it safe to take lansoprazole long-term?
Many people take it long-term safely, but the need should be reviewed periodically. Prolonged acid suppression has a few considerations — possible effects on vitamin B12 and magnesium, a small association with bone fractures, and rebound acid if stopped suddenly, which stepping down can ease.
Is Zoton FasTab the same as lansoprazole?
Yes — lansoprazole is the generic (active-ingredient) name and Zoton FasTab is a brand name (for the orodispersible form); both contain the same active ingredient.
The wider class
About PPIs (proton pump inhibitors)
Lansoprazole belongs to the ppis (proton pump inhibitors) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF: Lansoprazole.
- electronic Medicines Compendium (SmPC): Lansoprazole.
- NICE CKS: Lansoprazole.
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