Lansoprazole vs Omeprazole

What is the difference?

If you suffer from acid reflux and heartburn you’ve probably heard of omeprazole and lansoprazole.

But how do they differ and what exactly do they do? In this blog, we’ll examine what the difference is between Lansoprazole Omeprazole, how they differ and what they do.

What are Lansoprazole and Omeprazole?

Omeprazole and lansoprazole are both classed as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).¹

You may be more familiar with omeprazole as it’s more commonly prescribed as a gastrointestinal medication than lansoprazole.²

Both reduce the amount of acid the stomach makes.^3/4

What are Omeprazole and Lansoprazole used to treat?

Omeprazole and lansoprazole are used for the short-term treatment of acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion and symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). ^3/4If you think you may be suffering from GORD, seek the advice of a GP for a diagnosis.

How does a proton pump inhibiter work?

Proton pumps are enzymes in the lining of the stomach.⁴

They help the stomach to make the acid needed to digest food but for some people, it can irritate the stomach and cause discomfort. Acid reflux is caused by acid travelling up into the oesophagus which causes the pain of heartburn.⁵

PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid the stomach makes by preventing the proton pumps from working properly.⁴

This reduces the pain and discomfort in the stomach or the chest caused by acid reflux.

Lansoprazole vs Omeprazole Comparison

Here are a few facts and insights into the differences between omeprazole and lansoprazole.

Omeprazole

Comes as capsules, gastro-resistant tablets and as a liquid.⁴
Omeprazole 20mg tablets are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets. Capsules are only available on prescription.⁴
It can be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding women aged 18 and over. Omeprazole may be recommended by doctors if lifestyle changes such as eating smaller meals more often and avoiding fatty and spicy foods do not work.⁶
It’s usually recommended to take omeprazole once a day, in the morning.⁴
Omeprazole usually starts to work when taken on two to three consecutive days, but it may take up to four weeks for it to work fully.⁴
It can be used short term to treat symptoms only when they appear.⁴
If you buy omeprazole from a pharmacy or supermarket to treat yourself, do not take it for longer than two weeks without checking with a doctor.⁴
It’s best to avoid alcohol while you’re taking omeprazole as alcohol can increase acid production and make symptoms worse.⁴

Effectiveness of Lansoprazole vs Omeprazole

Plenty of studies have been carried out to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of omeprazole compared to lansoprazole across a range of different gastric conditions.

Some conclude there is no significant difference.

You can take omeprazole with over-the-counter antacids if you need to – always read the product patient information leaflet before using medication and speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you need more advice.⁹

It’s not recommended to take antacids with lansoprazole as it can decrease its effectiveness. If you do need to use an antacid, you’re advised to wait two hours after taking lansoprazole.⁸

Food can stop some lansoprazole from getting into your system so it’s recommended it’s taken at least 30 minutes before eating.³

Side effects of Lansoprazole and Omeprazole

Common side effects of omeprazole (may happen in more than one in 100 people):⁴

Headaches
Feeling sick
Being sick or diarrhoea
Stomach pain
Constipation
Flatulence

You can find advice on how to help these side effects on the NHS website – speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice if you need to. To see the full list of side effects read the product patient information leaflet.

Can you buy omeprazole over the counter?

20mg omeprazole tablets can be bought over the counter at pharmacies, supermarkets and other high street stores but can only be taken by adults.¹⁰ They are the same as the omeprazole tablets you get on prescription and can be taken for 14 days.¹⁰ You should speak to your doctor if your symptoms haven’t improved.¹⁰

Omeprazole and lansoprazole have been used to treat acid reflux and heartburn since the 1990s and are common medications.¹¹

Side effects are fairly rare.¹¹

In just Western Europe alone, 5% of people take them to reduce acid-related symptoms.¹¹

It’s best to seek advice from a pharmacist and if lifestyle changes aren’t helping your heartburn and you experience symptoms on most days for three weeks or more, speak to your doctor.¹

References

Self Care Advice

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