How it is administered

Lansoprazole is taken by mouth, usually as a delayed-release capsule. It is available in 15 mg and 30 mg strengths. The capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water before eating, typically in the morning. For those who have difficulty swallowing capsules, the capsule can be opened and the pellets sprinkled on certain soft foods (like applesauce or yogurt) or mixed with certain juices. It can also be given through a nasogastric tube as directed by a healthcare provider.

How it works

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by blocking the (H+, K+)-ATPase enzyme system, also known as the "proton pump," located in the stomach lining. This enzyme is responsible for the final step in the production of gastric acid. By inhibiting this pump, lansoprazole significantly reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Reducing stomach acid can help treat conditions caused by excess acid, such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and certain hypersecretory conditions. In the context of blood cancers like Marginal Zone Lymphoma, lansoprazole may be used to manage gastrointestinal symptoms or to protect the stomach lining during cancer treatment, especially if patients are taking medications that can irritate the stomach. Lansoprazole does not treat cancer itself but can help improve comfort and prevent complications related to stomach acid.

Who Should take it

Lansoprazole is indicated for people who need to reduce stomach acid, such as those with active duodenal or gastric ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, or pathological hypersecretory conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is also used in combination with antibiotics to eradicate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which can contribute to ulcers.

For patients with blood cancers, including Marginal Zone Lymphoma, lansoprazole may be recommended to prevent or treat stomach irritation or ulcers, especially if they are receiving treatments that increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the use of lansoprazole for your specific situation.

Who should not take it

You should not take lansoprazole if you are allergic to lansoprazole or any of its ingredients. Severe allergic reactions may include skin reddening, rash, blisters, or anaphylaxis. Lansoprazole is also contraindicated in patients taking rilpivirine-containing products (used for HIV treatment), as this combination can cause serious drug interactions.

If you have trouble swallowing food, vomiting with blood, or have bloody or black stools, do not use lansoprazole and seek medical attention, as these may be signs of a more serious condition. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking and your full medical history before starting lansoprazole.

Commonly used with

Lansoprazole is often used with antibiotics such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin to treat H. pylori infections. It may also be used alongside other medications that can irritate the stomach, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to help protect the stomach lining.

In cancer care, it may be used with chemotherapy or corticosteroids to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers or acid-related discomfort. Always check with your healthcare provider before combining lansoprazole with other medications.

Commonly tested with

Lansoprazole has been tested in combination with antibiotics (amoxicillin and clarithromycin) for the treatment of H. pylori infection. It has also been studied with NSAIDs to assess its ability to prevent NSAID-associated ulcers.

In clinical practice, lansoprazole may be used alongside a variety of other medications, and your healthcare provider may monitor for drug interactions, especially if you are taking drugs that depend on stomach acidity for absorption or drugs metabolized by the liver.