Lansoprazole — NZ Medication Guide
📋 Reviewed by a Registered Pharmacist NZ — This information is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
What is Lansoprazole?
Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid for the treatment of acid-related gastrointestinal conditions. This medication is funded by Pharmac for GERD and peptic ulcer disease.
What is Lansoprazole Used For?
Lansoprazole is used for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, Helicobacter pylori eradication, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and prevention of NSAID-associated ulcers.
How Does Lansoprazole Work?
Like other PPIs, lansoprazole irreversibly binds to and inhibits the H+/K+-ATPase proton pump in gastric parietal cells, blocking the final step in acid production. It is a prodrug activated by acid in the canaliculi of parietal cells.
How to Take Lansoprazole
Standard dose: 15–30 mg once daily before breakfast. For H. pylori eradication: lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily as part of triple or quadruple therapy. Orodispersible tablets (lansoprazole Fastab®) dissolve on the tongue — useful if swallowing is difficult.
Common Side Effects of Lansoprazole
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Flatulence
Serious Side Effects — Seek Medical Attention
Contact your doctor or call 111 immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Hypomagnesaemia (long-term use — monitor magnesium levels)
- Clostridium difficile diarrhoea
- Fractures (long-term high-dose use)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency (long-term use)
- Interstitial nephritis (rare)
Drug Interactions
Lansoprazole may interact with other medicines. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications you are taking. Key interactions include:
- Methotrexate (increased toxicity)
- Atazanavir (avoid — reduced levels)
- Warfarin (possible enhanced effect)
- Sucralfate (reduce lansoprazole absorption — take 30 minutes before sucralfate)
New Zealand Prescribing Information
Lansoprazole (15 mg and 30 mg capsules and Fastab® orodispersible tablets) is funded by Pharmac. Like all PPIs, regular review of the need for continued therapy is important. Orodispersible lansoprazole is particularly useful for patients with nasogastric tubes, dysphagia, or those who cannot swallow capsules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lansoprazole the same as omeprazole?
Both are proton pump inhibitors with similar mechanisms, efficacy, and side effect profiles. The main differences are potency (lansoprazole may have slightly faster onset) and formulations available. Your doctor or pharmacist will choose the most appropriate PPI for your situation and funding criteria.
Can I take lansoprazole long-term?
Long-term PPI use is common for chronic GERD or high ulcer risk patients on NSAIDs/aspirin. However, it is associated with long-term risks including hypomagnesaemia, B12 deficiency, fractures, and C. difficile infection. Regular review by your GP is recommended to ensure the lowest effective dose is being used.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified health provider. In New Zealand, medication availability and funding may vary — check with Pharmac or your pharmacist for current information.
Reviewed by a Registered Pharmacist NZ
References & Further Information
The following New Zealand and international resources were used to inform this page: