Lansoprazole Injection: Everything You Need to Know

What is Lansoprazole Injection?

Lansoprazole Injection is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is commonly prescribed for patients who require a reduction in stomach acid but are unable to take oral medication due to various reasons, such as being unconscious or having difficulty swallowing. This medication is typically administered in a hospital setting by a healthcare professional. Lansoprazole, the active ingredient in this injection, is the same as in the oral forms, including capsules and tablets, but it is prepared for intravenous administration to provide immediate effect.

What are the Uses of Lansoprazole Injection?

Lansoprazole is primarily used to treat conditions related to excessive stomach acid production. These include:

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (oesophagus), irritating. Lansoprazole helps to reduce the acid in the stomach, thus relieving symptoms such as heartburn and preventing damage to the oesophagus.

2. Erosive Esophagitis: This is inflammation, irritation, or swelling of the oesophagus due to acid reflux. Lansoprazole helps in healing the oesophagus by reducing acid production.

3. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: A condition where tumours in the pancreas or duodenum cause excessive production of stomach acid, leading to peptic ulcers. Lansoprazole is used to manage the acid overproduction in this syndrome.

4. Peptic Ulcer Disease: Lansoprazole can be used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It is particularly useful in preventing ulcers caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.

What are the Indications for Lansoprazole Injection?

Lansoprazole is indicated for:

• Patients who need rapid and effective reduction of stomach acid and cannot take oral medication.
• Treatment of GERD, erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and peptic ulcers in situations where oral administration is not possible.
• Management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding related to acid-peptic disease.
• Short-term treatment of erosive esophagitis as diagnosed by endoscopy.

What are the Benefits of Lansoprazole Injection?

Lansoprazole offers several benefits:

1. Rapid Onset of Action: As it is administered intravenously, the medication acts quickly to reduce stomach acid, providing prompt relief from symptoms associated with excessive acid production.

2. Effective Acid Suppression: Lansoprazole is highly effective in suppressing gastric acid production, which helps in healing ulcers, reducing symptoms of GERD, and managing other acid-related conditions.

3. Prevention of Complications: By reducing acid production, Lansoprazole helps prevent complications such as oesophagal damage from acid reflux, perforation of ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

4. Convenient for Non-Oral Administration: It is an ideal option for patients who cannot take oral medications due to reasons like severe illness, post-surgery recovery, or being in a coma.

What are the Side Effects of Lansoprazole Injection?

While Lansoprazole is generally well-tolerated, it can have side effects. Common side effects include:

• Headache:  One of the most common side effects reported is headache.
• Diarrhoea or Constipation: Gastrointestinal disturbances may occur, including diarrhoea, constipation, or abdominal pain.
• Nausea or Vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea or vomiting after the injection.
• Dizziness: A feeling of light-headedness or dizziness may occur in some individuals.
• Injection Site Reactions: Pain, redness, or swelling may occur at the injection site.

Rare but common serious side effects may include:

• Allergic Reactions: Some patients may experience allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If these symptoms arise, seek medical help instantly.
• Kidney Problems: Rarely, Lansoprazole can cause kidney issues, indicated by a change in the amount of urine or blood in the urine.
• Low Magnesium Levels: Long-term use may lead to low magnesium levels, which can result in muscle cramps, seizures, or irregular heartbeat.

What Warnings Should Be Considered When Using Lansoprazole Injection?

There are several warnings to consider when using Lansoprazole:

1. Allergic Reactions: Patients with known hypersensitivity to Lansoprazole or other PPIs should avoid this medication.

2. Risk of Bone Fractures: Long-term use, particularly at high doses, may increase the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine.

3. Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea: PPIs like Lansoprazole have been associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, a potentially serious condition.

4. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Prolonged use of Lansoprazole may result in vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly in patients with reduced stores.

5. Liver Function: Patients with severe liver disease should use Lansoprazole with caution, as the drug is metabolized by the liver, and impaired liver function could lead to increased drug levels in the body.

6. Drug Interactions: Lansoprazole can interact with other medications, such as blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), certain antifungals, and HIV drugs. These interactions may alter the effectiveness of Lansoprazole or increase the risk of side effects.

Lansoprazole Injection is a valuable medication for managing conditions related to excessive stomach acid production, especially in patients unable to take oral medications. Its rapid onset and effective acid suppression make it a crucial option in hospital settings. However, it is essential to consider potential side effects and warnings, particularly with long-term use, to ensure safe and effective treatment.

• Dopamine Injection