Lansoprazole Pliva Pharma (Lansoprazole)

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces gastric acid secretion, making it useful for several acid‑related gastrointestinal conditions.

• Gastro‑esophageal reflux disease (GERD): alleviates heartburn and esophageal irritation by decreasing acid exposure.
• Peptic ulcer disease: promotes healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers through acid suppression.
• Helicobacter pylori eradication (in combination therapy): enhances the effectiveness of antibiotic regimens by creating a less acidic environment.
• Zollinger‑Ellison syndrome: controls excessive gastric acid production associated with gastrin‑secreting tumors.

• Lansoprazole acts by irreversibly binding to the cysteine residues of the H⁺/K⁺‑ATPase enzyme (the gastric proton pump) located on the secretory surface of parietal cells. This inhibition blocks the final step of acid secretion, leading to a prolonged reduction of gastric acidity even after the drug is cleared from the plasma. The effect persists until new proton pumps are synthesized, providing sustained acid control over 24‑48 hours.

Lansoprazole may cause a range of adverse reactions, which are categorized by frequency.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain in the head.
• Diarrhea: loose, watery stools.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort or cramping in the stomach area.
• Nausea: feeling of sickness or urge to vomit.
• Flatulence: excess gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Constipation: infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reactions: including anaphylaxis, Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Clostridioides difficile infection: severe colitis associated with antibiotic‑like diarrhea.
• Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia): may cause muscle cramps, seizures or cardiac arrhythmia.
• Liver enzyme elevation: indicating possible hepatic injury.
• Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas presenting with abdominal pain and vomiting.
• Increased risk of bone fractures: especially with long‑term use in elderly patients.

Before prescribing Lansoprazole, clinicians should consider several safety precautions to minimize risks.

• Assess renal and hepatic function: adjust use in patients with severe impairment.
• Use with caution in the elderly: higher incidence of fractures and electrolyte disturbances.
• Limit duration of therapy: avoid long‑term use unless clearly indicated.
• Monitor magnesium levels: prolonged treatment may lead to hypomagnesemia.
• Review concomitant medications: drugs that require acidic environment may have reduced absorption.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Lansoprazole can alter the plasma concentrations of several medicines, requiring attention to potential drug‑drug interactions.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Ketoconazole and other acid‑dependent antifungals: reduced absorption.
• Clopidogrel: decreased activation and antiplatelet effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Warfarin: possible increase in INR, monitor coagulation.
• Digoxin: modest rise in serum levels, watch for toxicity.
• Methotrexate (high dose): reduced clearance, monitor levels.