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.
We’re here to provide you with the lowdown on both of these medicines including their uses and how they work.
What are Lansoprazole and Omeprazole?
Omeprazole and lansoprazole are both classed as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).
You may be more familiar with omeprazole as it’s more commonly prescribed as a gastrointestinal medication than lansoprazole.
Both reduce the amount of acid the stomach makes.
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). If 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.
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.
PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid the stomach makes by preventing the proton pumps from working properly.
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.
- Omeprazole 20mg tablets are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets. Capsules are only available on prescription.
- 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.
- It’s usually recommended to take omeprazole once a day, in the morning.
- 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.
- It can be used short term to treat symptoms only when they appear.
- 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.
- It’s best to avoid alcohol while you’re taking omeprazole as alcohol can increase acid production and make symptoms worse.
Lansoprazole
- Comes in capsules and gastro-resistant tablet form.
- It’s only available on prescription and the usual dose to treat indigestion and acid reflux is prescibed as Lansoprazole 15mg or
- Lansoprazole 30mg gastro-resistent tablets.
- Lansoprazole isn’t usually recommended for pregnant women as there’s little safety information available about its use during pregnancy.
- The usual recommendation is to take lansoprazole first thing in the morning, once a day
- Lansoprazole should start to work in two to three days, but it may take up to four weeks for it to fully control acid symptoms.
- How long you take it for depends on the condition, varying from a few weeks or months, sometimes even many years.
- It can be used as a short-term treatment, only taking when symptoms appear, but it’s best to discuss with a doctor as this isn’t suitable for everyone.
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.
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.
Food can stop some lansoprazole from getting into your system so it’s recommended it’s taken at least 30 minutes before eating.
Side effects of Lansoprazole and Omeprazole
Common side effects of omeprazole (may happen in more than one in 100 people):
- 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.
Common side effects of lansoprazole (may happen in more than one in 100 people):
- Headaches
- Feeling sick
- Being sick or diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Wind
- Itchy skin rashes
- Feeling dizzy or tired
- Dry mouth or throat
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you need help and advice. 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.
They are the same as the omeprazole tablets you get on prescription and can be taken for 14 days.
You should speak to your doctor if your symptoms haven’t improved.
Can you switch between omeprazole and lansoprazole?
If you’re managing symptoms from acid-related conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), indigestion, or heartburn you might want to know if you can switch omeprazole and lansoprazole.
The short answer is yes, depending on your individual circumstance and only on the advice of a doctor.
Reasons someone might switch
For instance, if you’ve been prescribed lansoprazole and it’s not working well for you or you’re experiencing side effects, your GP might recommend trying a different PPI such as omeprazole.
People may consider switching from omeprazole to lansoprazole – or vice versa – for several reasons.
One common reason is side effects. While both medications work similarly, individual reactions can vary.
Although they majority of people don’t experience side effects from PPIs, some may have side effects such as headaches, nausea, or stomach upset with one medication and not the other.
Effectiveness is another factor.
Is omeprazole better than lansoprazole?
Although there’s thought to be minimal lansoprazole and omeprazole difference and PPIs are generally effective, some individuals may find they have better symptom control with one over the other.
If lansoprazole isn’t fully relieving your symptoms your doctor may suggest trying omeprazole or the other way round.
Switching tips
Many people get heartburn and indigestion from time to time and understanding your triggers by keeping a food and symptom diary can help you identify the triggers.
This could be food, exercise or time of day and understanding any patterns can help you to manage your symptoms as can some simple lifestyle changes.
These include:
- Eating smaller meals rather than three large meals a day.
- Reducing the amount of fizzy drinks and alcohol.
- Avoid your food triggers such as spicy or fatty foods – tomatoes can be a common trigger too.
- Try not to eat within three hours of going to bed.
Switching PPI medications should always be done under medical supervision with advice from your GP.
While omeprazole and lansoprazole are both classed as PPIs, lansoprazole is only available on prescription.
Keep track of any symptoms after switching and any potential side effects. The NHS website provides information and advice on managing side effects such as nausea and stomach pain but if they continue to be a problem speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Dosage comparisons
For indigestion the usual dose of omeprazole is 10 to 20mg a day and for heartburn and acid reflux the dose is usually 20mg to 40mg a day.
Over the counter treatments are sold as 20mg.
The usual dose of lansoprazole to treat indigestion and acid reflux is 15mg to 30mg a day.
What to expect when switching
Lansoprazole is usually taken once a day in the morning, half an hour before a meal or snack.
Both omeprazole and lansoprazole can take up to two to three days before you start to feel symptom relief.
As with both omeprazole and lansoprazole and medication in general there can be common side effects and you should monitor these if they occur any new or worsening symptoms.
If heartburn returns or becomes more severe, contact your GP.
Doctor or pharmacist advice
When considering a switch, always speak to a healthcare professional. They can help answer critical questions such omeprazole better than lansoprazole, or vice versa in your specific case, or advise on any existing conditions or medications that might influence your treatment.
Pharmacists can also provide practical insights about lansoprazole and omeprazole, how to manage side effects, and whether any medication interactions may be a concern.
Don’t rely solely on online information – personalised advice is key.
Omeprazole and lansoprazole have been used to treat acid reflux and heartburn since the 1990s and are common medications.
Side effects are fairly rare.
In just Western Europe alone, 5% of people take them to reduce acid-related symptoms.
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.
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Read MorePyrocalm Control® 20mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets. For the short-term treatment of reflux symptoms in adults.
Contains 20 mg Omeprazole. Always read the label. Medicines can affect the unborn baby.
Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy.