What is Lansoprazole and what is it used for?

Lansoprazole capsules are a prescription-only treatment that provides relief from acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers for adults over the age of 18 years. Lansoprazole eases these recurrent symptoms by inhibiting the production of acid in the stomach. It falls into a category of medication known as proton pump inhibitors. These capsules are the unbranded version of Zoton and are available in strengths of 15mg or 30mg.

What is acid reflux and heartburn?

Stomach acids are important for the digestive process, they help to break down food before it reaches the intestines. Usually, the oesophagus is guarded against these acids by the oesophageal sphincter. This sphincter is made up of a group of muscles that form a one-way barrier; allowing food to enter the stomach and preventing acids from leaving.

Sometimes, this sphincter can weaken, which allows stomach acid to pass through this barrier and enter the oesophagus, this is acid reflux. Heartburn is a consequence of acid reflux, caused by acid ‘burning, in the tissues of the oesophagus. Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. It gets its name purely because of the burning sensation felt in the chest.

How does Lansoprazole work?

Many of us will experience the occasional bout of heartburn. However, some sufferers can experience these symptoms very frequently – this will likely be due to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Lansoprazole is a prescription-only medicine for GORD and other related conditions, such as stomach ulcers and an inflamed oesophagus. Lansoprazole works by inhibiting the activity of proton pumps (proteins that produce acids in the stomach). This decreases the levels of acid in the stomach, relieving the associated symptoms of acid reflux.

Alternatives to Lansoprazole

Antacids are alkali liquids or tablets that improve symptoms of acid reflux by neutralising stomach acid. Antacids such as Gaviscon are available without a prescription from The Independent Pharmacy. These can be taken as and when required, however, they may reduce the effectiveness of Lansoprazole, so they should not be taken within 1 hour of each other.

For more details about alternative prescription and over-the-counter treatment please check out our Advice for Acid Reflux & Heartburn page.

Non-medicinal ways to improve acid reflux

• GORD is a fairly common infliction, affecting roughly 20% of people. Symptoms will likely to more pronounced if you are lying down. It is recommended to avoid lying down horizontally after eating, also, consider sleeping on an incline.
• Obesity is the main cause of GORD. This is due to excess fat adding strain to organs, such as the stomach. The increased pressure forces the stomach acid out past the weakened sphincter and into the oesophagus. So trying to lose weight can sometimes improve symptoms.
• Large meals that fill the stomach have a similar effect to being overweight, so consider eating smaller portions that don’t leave you feeling full and bloated.
• Along with fatty foods, try to avoid foods that are acidic or spicy. For example; onions and chillies. As well as certain food, carbonated, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks should also be avoided, as these too can also lead to heartburn.
• Several medications can potentially interfere with digestion in ways that may increase the risk of GORD. If you believe the medicine you are taking may be causing your GORD symptoms, we advise you to discuss this with your GP.

Sources

• Lansoprazole 15mg Capsules, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...