Lansoprazole Capsule: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Lansoprazole Capsule Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Lansoprazole Capsule? (Lansoprazole Capsule kya hai)

Lansoprazole Capsule (Zoton, Lanzo) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) commonly prescribed in Pakistan for GERD, stomach and duodenal ulcers, H. pylori eradication therapy, and acid-related conditions.

This medicine irreversibly inhibits H+/K+ ATPase (proton pump) in gastric parietal cells — markedly reducing acid secretion. Lansoprazole is a prodrug that is activated in an acidic environment — this is why it must be taken 30 minutes before food. Do not stop or start on your own without a doctor's prescription.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• GERD / Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease
• Peptic Ulcer Disease
• H. pylori eradication
• NSAID-induced gastropathy (ulcer prevention in NSAID users)
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (hypersecretory acid conditions)
• Dyspepsia associated with acid (functional dyspepsia)

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Patients diagnosed with GERD
• Peptic ulcer patients — in H. pylori eradication therapy
• Patients taking NSAID or aspirin long-term who need gastroprotection
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome patients (high-dose, specialist supervision)

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• If allergic to lansoprazole or any PPI
• With atazanavir (HIV medicine) — do not combine
• With clopidogrel — prefer pantoprazole or rabeprazole in cardiac patients (CYP2C19 interaction)
• If you need to crush or chew the capsule (enteric coating is essential)
• Moderate or severe liver disease — use only at a reduced dose decided by your doctor

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• Depends on the condition — usually 15mg or 30mg once daily in the morning, at least 30 minutes before food

• Do not exceed the dose your doctor prescribes. Older adults: usually no more than 30mg a day. Moderate or severe liver disease: the daily dose is usually halved. Higher doses are used only for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome under specialist care.

• If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember — 30 min before food. If the next dose is soon, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• 30 MINUTES BEFORE FOOD — this is essential; the proton pump becomes active when food is eaten and the medicine works better at that point

• Swallow capsule whole — do not break, chew, or crush it (enteric-coated granules)

• If swallowing a capsule is difficult, ask your doctor or pharmacist — some formulations may have granules available in sprinkle form

• Take at the same time every day — maintain a routine

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• Generally 30 MINUTES BEFORE MORNING BREAKFAST — for once daily dosing

• In H. pylori triple therapy, the doctor specifies the schedule — generally twice daily

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Lansoprazole must be taken 30 MINUTES BEFORE FOOD — this timing is directly linked to the therapeutic effect. Taking it after food significantly reduces efficacy. Not on a completely empty stomach either — 30 min before food is the best window.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Long-term use (especially over 1 year): risk of hypomagnesaemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, fractures, and C. diff infection increases
• Have the doctor review the need every 6 months — many people in Pakistan take PPIs long-term without review
• Moderate or severe liver disease — the daily dose is usually halved

• Avoid lansoprazole with clopidogrel — strong inhibition via CYP2C19 reduces clopidogrel's antiplatelet effect — increasing cardiac risk. Prefer pantoprazole or rabeprazole.

• Stopping suddenly after long-term use can cause rebound acid hypersecretion — taper gradually

• Pregnancy: as a precaution, it is preferable to avoid lansoprazole during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: it is not known whether lansoprazole passes into breast milk. Your doctor will weigh the benefit to you against the possible risk to the baby before deciding.

• Children: not recommended because clinical data are limited; avoid in infants under 1 year. Only a specialist should decide on use and dose.
• Older adults: usually no more than 30mg a day unless there is a strong medical reason.

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Below 25°C, store in a cool and dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children

• After H. pylori eradication, test to confirm the infection has cleared

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Headache; Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain; Flatulence; Dizziness; Fundic gland polyps (harmless stomach polyps)

• Hypomagnesaemia (long-term — muscle cramps, tetany, seizures, arrhythmias); Vitamin B12 deficiency (long-term); C. diff colitis; Interstitial nephritis (rare); Drug-induced lupus-like reaction; Increased fracture risk (long-term, high-dose)
• Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic shock (very rare)
• Severe skin reactions — Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (very rare)
• Hyponatraemia — low blood sodium (very rare)

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• Clopidogrel — lansoprazole via CYP2C19 reduces clopidogrel's antiplatelet activation — prefer pantoprazole or rabeprazole in cardiac patients
• Methotrexate — PPIs increase methotrexate levels — monitoring necessary
• Antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole) — absorption reduced in low-acid environment
• Atazanavir (HIV) — do not combine; PPIs significantly reduce atazanavir absorption
• Warfarin — some increase in INR possible — monitor

Inform your doctor that you are taking lansoprazole before starting any new medicine.

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Severe watery or bloody diarrhoea
• Muscle weakness, cramps, tetany, or irregular heartbeat (hypomagnesaemia)
• Tingling, fatigue, or signs of anaemia (Vitamin B12 deficiency)
• Severe allergic reaction — swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing
• Skin rash with blistering or peeling, or a rash on sun-exposed skin with joint pain
• Symptoms not improving or worsening — have diagnosis reviewed

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Lansoprazole kis kaam aata hai?

A: Doctors prescribe Lansoprazole (Zoton, Lanzo) for GERD, stomach ulcers, H. pylori infection, and acid-related conditions. It is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that markedly reduces acid production.

Q: Lansoprazole ke side effects kya hain?

A: Common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and flatulence. Long-term use may increase the risk of hypomagnesaemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, and fractures. Be sure to inform your doctor if taking long-term.

Q: Lansoprazole khane se pehle kyun lena chahiye?

A: It must be taken 30 minutes before food — the proton pump becomes active when food is eaten and the medicine works more effectively at that point. Taking it after food significantly reduces efficacy.

Q: Lansoprazole Pakistan mein price kya hai?

A: Lansoprazole / Zoton / Lanzo price varies by pharmacy and pack size. Confirm the updated price at a local pharmacy or licensed online platform.

Q: Lansoprazole zyada der tak lena safe hai?

A: Long-term use can increase the risk of hypomagnesaemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, and fractures. The doctor will review the need every 6 months. Do not stop on your own to avoid rebound acidity.

Q: Kya pregnancy ya breastfeeding mein lansoprazole le sakte hain?

A: As a precaution, it is preferable to avoid lansoprazole during pregnancy. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk, so during breastfeeding your doctor will weigh the benefit to you against the possible risk to the baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.