How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient lansoprazole, which is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor. It works by reducing the production of stomach acid. Stomach acid is produced as a normal part of the digestive process. When we digest food, the cells lining the inside of the stomach use a mechanism called a proton pump to produce stomach acid. Lansoprazole works by stopping the proton pumps from working. This reduces the production of stomach acid. Lansoprazole is therefore used to relieve the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn that are caused by excess production of stomach acid. Lansoprazole is also used to treat various medical complaints that result from the effect of stomach acid on the lining of the stomach and duodenum (an area of the intestine directly after the stomach). The linings of the stomach and duodenum usually resist attack from stomach acid. However, if these linings are damaged, or large amounts of stomach acid are produced, the acid can irritate them, causing an ulcer to develop on the wall of the stomach or duodenum. This is known as a peptic ulcer, and continuing production of acid in the stomach will continue to irritate it and prevent it from healing. As lansoprazole reduces the amount of acid in the stomach and duodenum it is used to help ulcers to heal. Treatment with lansoprazole can also be continued after the ulcer has healed to help prevent it from recurring. Lansoprazole is also used in combination with antibiotics to help eradicate a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori from the stomach. This type of bacteria is associated with the development of most duodenal ulcers. Lansoprazole allows the ulcers to heal and also creates an environment in the gut in which the antibiotics can work most effectively to eradicate the bacteria. In addition, lansoprazole is used to treat peptic ulcers that can sometimes occur as a side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac. NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation by reducing the production of substances called prostaglandins. Unfortunately, prostaglandins are also produced in the stomach and help to protect the stomach lining from acid, so NSAIDs can allow the acid to irritate the stomach. Lansoprazole is used to treat peptic ulcers that occur due to this irritation. It also relieves side effects such as indigestion that can be associated with taking these medicines. Lansoprazole is also sometimes prescribed in combination with NSAIDs to help prevent ulcers from developing. Other conditions related to excess production of stomach acid, such as the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, can also be treated by lansoprazole.

What is it used for?

Eradicating bacteria in the gut

Excessive secretion of stomach acid due to a tumour or enlargement of the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Indigestion symptoms related to excess stomach acid

Peptic ulcer

Prevention, treatment and relief of symptoms of peptic ulcers or erosions associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Warning!

Treatment with this medicine may lead to a slightly increased risk of stomach infections such as salmonella, due to the decreased acidity in the stomach.

There is no experience with the use of this medicine in children.

This medicine can mask the symptoms of stomach cancer and therefore delay diagnosis of this condition. For this reason, the possibility of stomach cancer should be excluded by your doctor before you start treatment with this medicine, particularly if you are middle aged or over and have new or recently changed indigestion symptoms.

Zoton capsules should be swallowed whole. They should not be crushed or chewed. Zoton suspension should be mixed with water before taking. Zoton FasTabs should be placed on the tongue and gently sucked, or swallowed whole with a drink of water. The FasTabs should not be crushed or chewed.

Use with caution in

Severely decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. The manufacturer therefore advises that it should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It is not recommended for use during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medication.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved