Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole is a prescription medication that is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, stomach ulcers, and other conditions. Sold under the brand name Prevacid, lansoprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs reduce the amount of acid in the stomach by blocking the acid production sites. Side effects of lansoprazole may include abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, and nausea.

 

Lansoprazole: An Overview

Lansoprazole (sold under the brand name Prevacid®) is a medication that is used to treat a number of conditions within the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
 

Who Makes Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is manufactured by TAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 

Uses of Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole is licensed to treat a number of conditions, including:
 
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Erosive esophagitis
  • Duodenal ulcers
  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Pathological hypersecretory conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
 
Lansoprazole is also licensed to treat GERD and erosive esophagitis in children ages 1-17.
 

How Does Lansoprazole Work?

Lansoprazole is part of a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which decrease the amount of acid in your stomach by blocking the acid production sites.
 

Lansoprazole: Effects

Lansoprazole reduces the amount of acid in your stomach, which:
 
  • Helps heartburn and other GERD symptoms go away
  • Allows damage to the esophagus to heal
  • Allows the stomach or intestines time to heal.
 
(Lansoprazole Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;