Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Lansoprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include rabeprazole
(Aciphex), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium). Proton pump inhibitors are used for the treatment of conditions such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison
syndrome that are caused by stomach acid. Lansoprazole, like other proton-pump inhibitors, blocks the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. By blocking the enzyme, the production of acid is decreased, and this allows the stomach and esophagus to heal.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes, No (Prevacid OTC)
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 15 and 30 mg. Oral suspension:
in 15 and 30 mg unit dose cartons of 30. Lansoprazole also is available in 15 and 30 mg tablets that disintegrate when placed under the tongue (Prevacid SoluTab). Lansoprazole is available for intravenous injection in vials containing 30 mg of powdered lansoprazole (30 mg/5 ml when mixed
with sterile water).
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F). Keep away from moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Lansoprazole is used for treating ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
DOSING: For initial treatment of duodenal ulcers the recommended dose for adults is 15 mg daily for 4 weeks.
For the treatment of GERD, the recommended initial treatment is 15 mg for up to 8 weeks.
For maintaining healing (long-term) in duodenal ulcer and GERD the recommended treatment is 15 mg daily.
For initial treatment of severe
(erosive) esophagitis and gastric ulcer, the recommended dose for adults is 30 mg daily for 4-8 weeks.
For the management of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, the starting dose for adults is 60 mg daily, and the dose is adjusted based on response. Doses up to 180 mg have been used in some patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Intravenous lansoprazole is approved for patients who are unable to
take oral lansoprazole. The approved intravenous dose is 30 mg daily for
up to 7 days.
It is recommended that capsules be taken before meals for maximum effect. Capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, split or chewed.
For those with difficulty swallowing, the capsule should be opened and the granular contents sprinkled on a tablespoon of apple sauce, ENSURE pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt or strained pears and swallowed immediately. Granules also may be mixed in two ounces (60 ml) of apple, orange or tomato juice and swallowed immediately. For patients with a nasogastic tube, mix the granules can be mixed in two ounces of apple juice and injected through the nasogastric tube.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Lansoprazole is less likely than
omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid) to interact with other drugs.
The absorption of certain drugs may be affected by stomach acidity, and, as a result, lansoprazole and other PPIs that reduce stomach acid also reduce the absorption and concentration in blood of ketoconazole
(Nizoral) and increase the absorption and concentration in blood of digoxin (Lanoxin). This may lead to reduced effectiveness of ketoconazole or increased digoxin toxicity, respectively.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the acidified liquid
contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are heartburn,
regurgitation, and nausea. Effective treatment is available for most patients with GERD.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that causes chronic inflammation (gastritis) of the inner lining of the stomach in humans. This bacteria also is the most common cause of ulcers worldwide.
A peptic ulcer is an ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Ulcer formation is related to Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach, use of anti-inflammatory medications, and cigarette smoking.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. It is characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and organs of the body, leading to thickness and firmness of involved areas. Scleroderma is also referred to as systemic sclerosis, and the cause is unknown. Treatment of scleroderma is directed toward the individual features that are most troubling to the patient.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus. Eosinophilic esophagitis has many causes including acid reflux, heartburn, viruses, medications that become stuck in the esophagus, allergy, asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. Eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms include difficulty swallowing food, abdominal pain, chest pain, and heartburn.
Esophagitis is caused by an infection or irritation of the esophagus. Infections that cause esophagitis include candida yeast infection of the esophagus as well as herpes.
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Causes of gastritis include drinking too much alcohol, medications such as NSAIDs, ibuprofen, aspirin, H. pylori infection, severe infections, burns, anemia, and autoimmune disorders. Gastritis is diagnosed with endoscopy, blood tests, or stool tests. Treatment depends upon the cause of gastritis.
Barrett's esophagus occurs as a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), primarily in white males. GERD refers to the reflux of acidic fluid from the stomach into the esophagus (the swallowing tube), and is classically associated with heartburn.
Heartburn is a burning sensation experienced from acid reflux (GERD). Symptoms of heartburn include chest pain, burning in the throat, difficulty swallowing, the feeling of food sticking in the throat, and a burning feeling in the chest. Causes of heartburn include dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and medical causes. Treatments for heartburn include lifestyle changes, OTC medication, prescription medication, and surgery.
Acid backing up into the larynx (voice box), it causes reflux laryngitis. Irritation of the lining of the esophagus, larynx, and throat can lead to esophagitis, sinusitis, strictures, hoarseness, throat clearing, swallowing problems, asthma, chronic cough, and more. Typical symptoms of reflux laryngitis include heartburn, hoarseness, or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Reflux laryngitis can be treated with OTC medication, prescription medication, and lifestyle changes.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed medications for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. One common side effect of NSAIDs is peptic ulcer (ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking NSAIDs.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is
a bacterium
that causes chronic inflammation of
the inner lining of the
stomach (gastritis) in humans. This bacterium also is the most
common cause of ulcers worldwide. H. pylori infection is most likely acquired by
ingesting contaminated food and water and through person to person contact. In
the United States, 30% of the adult population is infected. (50% of infected
persons are infected by the age of 60.) The infection is more common in crowded living conditions with poor
sanitation. In countries with poor sanitation, 90% of the adult population
can be infected. Infected individuals usually carry the infection
indefinitely unless they are treated with medications to eradicate the
bacterium. One out of every six patients with H. pylori infection will
develop ulcers of the duodenum or stomach. H. pylori also
is associated with stomach cancer and a rare type of lymphocytic tu...
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