Lansoprazole (Systemic)

Brand Names : Prevacid

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take lansoprazole before a meal, preferably in the morning .

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the capsule . If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and sprinkle the granules contained in the capsule on one tablespoonful of applesauce and swallow it immediately; or you may mix the granules in some fruit or vegetable juice and drink it immediately. Juices you may use include apple, cranberry, grape, orange, pineapple, prune, tomato, and V-8 vegetable juice. Do not chew or crush the granules .

Take this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better . Also, keep your appointments with your doctor for check-ups so that your doctor will be better able to tell you when to stop taking this medicine.

Dosing - The dose of lansoprazole will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of lansoprazole. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of doses you take each day and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking lansoprazole .

• For oral dosage form (delayed-release capsule):
  • To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
    • Adults - 15 to 30 mg once a day, preferably taken in the morning before a meal.
    • Children up to 18 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • To treat duodenal ulcers:
    • Adults - At first, 15 milligrams (mg) once a day, preferably taken in the morning before a meal. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
    • Children up to 18 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • To treat duodenal ulcers related to infection with H. pylori :
    • Adults - 30 mg plus amoxicillin 1000 mg (1 gram) plus clarithromycin 500 mg, taken together before meals twice a day for ten to fourteen days. Alternatively, your doctor may want you to take lansoprazole 30 mg plus amoxicillin 1000 mg (1 gram) before meals three times a day for fourteen days.
    • Children up to 18 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • To treat gastric ulcers:
    • Adults - 15 to 30 mg once a day, preferably taken in the morning before a meal.
    • Children up to 18 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • To treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid:
    • Adults - At first, 60 mg once a day, preferably taken in the morning before a meal. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
    • Children up to 18 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.