Larona (Lansoprazole)

Lansoprazole is indicated for acid‑related disorders that involve the gastrointestinal tract.

• Gastro‑oesophageal reflux disease (GERD): alleviates heartburn and regurgitation by maintaining a higher gastric pH.
• Erosive esophagitis: promotes healing of inflamed esophageal mucosa by suppressing acid exposure.
• Peptic ulcer disease: facilitates ulcer closure and reduces risk of recurrence through sustained acid suppression.
• Helicobacter pylori eradication: used in combination regimens to improve bacterial clearance rates.

• Lansoprazole selectively and irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase (proton pump) located on gastric parietal cells. By blocking this final step of gastric acid secretion, it markedly reduces both basal and stimulated acid output, leading to an elevated gastric pH that supports mucosal healing and symptom relief.

Lansoprazole may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity, often transient.
• Diarrhea: loose stools that may resolve with continued therapy.
• Nausea: occasional feeling of queasiness, usually mild.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort in the upper abdomen.
• Flatulence: increased intestinal gas.
• Constipation: reduced bowel movements.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin and mucosal reactions requiring immediate medical attention.
• Clostridioides difficile infection: severe colitis associated with antibiotic‑like effects.
• Acute interstitial nephritis: kidney inflammation presenting with altered renal function.
• Severe liver injury: jaundice, elevated transaminases, or hepatic failure.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: anaphylaxis, angioedema, or bronchospasm.
• Pancreatitis: acute inflammation of the pancreas with abdominal pain and elevated enzymes.

Before prescribing Lansoprazole, clinicians should evaluate patient‑specific risk factors and follow safe handling practices.

• Assess renal function: adjust use in patients with severe renal impairment.
• Evaluate hepatic status: monitor liver enzymes in those with existing liver disease.
• Review concomitant medications: consider potential interactions that may affect drug levels.
• Use caution in the elderly: increased susceptibility to adverse effects.
• Monitor for infection: prolonged acid suppression can predispose to gastrointestinal infections.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Lansoprazole can alter the pharmacokinetics of several co‑administered drugs, requiring attention to interaction severity.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Clarithromycin: may increase lansoprazole plasma concentrations.
• Ketoconazole: reduced absorption of ketoconazole when gastric pH is elevated.
• Atazanavir: decreased atazanavir exposure leading to sub‑therapeutic levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Warfarin: potential increase in anticoagulant effect, monitor INR.
• Digoxin: possible rise in digoxin levels, watch for toxicity.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance may enhance toxicity.
• Phenytoin: decreased phenytoin concentrations, consider dose adjustment.