Lansoprazole is used to treat ulcers; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus); and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Lansoprazole is used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori.
Directions for using Solox
Solox is available as 30mg capsules.
To achieve the optimal acid inhibitory effect, and hence most rapid healing and symptom relief, Solox should be taken in the morning before food. The capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew capsules.
Reflux oesophagitis
30mg lansoprazole once daily for 4 weeks. The majority of patients will be healed after the first course. For patients who have not fully healed within this time, a further 4 weeks treatment using the same dosage regimen is indicated. For long-term management, a maintenance dose of 15mg or 30mg once daily can be used dependent upon patient response.
Duodenal ulcer
30mg lansoprazole once daily for 4 weeks. For the prevention of relapse, the recommended maintenance dose is 15 mg once daily.
Gastric ulcer
30mg lansoprazole once daily for 8 weeks.
Eradication of H. pylori
Eradication of the infection is the single most important therapeutic intervention in patients with H. pylori positive peptic ulcer disease. The following combinations have been shown to be effective when used for 7 days:
Lansoprazole 30mg twice daily plus two of the following antibiotics: amoxycillin 1g twice daily, metronidazole 400mg twice daily and clarithromycin 250mg twice daily.
Long-term management
Zoton should only be used in certain situations including:
- in patients who have recurrent peptic ulceration where the pathogenesis of the ulcer is not related to H pylori infection; or
- where repeated eradication therapy is unsuccessful; or
- patients who have a past history of perforation or bleeding from an ulcer.
Side Effects
Lansoprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:
Lansoprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
There is no information on the effect of acute overdosage. In case of overdose, supportive and symptomatic therapy should be initiated.
Doses of up to 180 mg/day for more than a year have been used to treat Zollinger Ellison Syndrome with no serious adverse effects.
Storage
Protect from light and moisture. Do not store this medication in the bathroom.
Store below 25°C (77°F)
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