Lansoprazole

What is Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is a medication that is used to reduce the production of acids in the stomach. Lansoprazole belongs to a class of acid reducers known as proton pump inhibitors or PPIs. It can be the sole active ingredient in heartburn medications that provide long-term relief of symptoms, or it can be combined with an additional active component that aids in lansoprazole's absorption.

How Does Lansoprazole Work?

Stomach acids play an important role in the digestive process by breaking down food before it reaches the intestines. To protect the oesophagus from these chemicals the oesophageal sphincter contains a group of muscles that act as a one-way barrier that only allows the passage of food. However, the oesophagal sphincter can occasionally weaken, allowing stomach acid to spill over the barrier and into the oesophagus, causing acid reflux. lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works by blocking the activity of proton pumps (proteins that create acid in the stomach). This lowers stomach acid levels and reduces pain from acid reflux.

Conditions that can be Treated by Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole primarily works by lowering stomach acid production. However, it can also be used to treat the following conditions:

• Treatment of duodenal and stomach ulcer
• Treatment of inflammation in the oesophagus
• Treatment of heartburn and acid regurgitation
• Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.