Lansoloc contains lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid. It is used for heartburn and acid reflux, for stomach and duodenal ulcers, and as part of treatment to clear Helicobacter pylori infection. It comes as 15 mg and 30 mg capsules, with the 15 mg strength also sold in a pharmacy-only form.
What is Lansoloc?
Lansoloc contains lansoprazole and is registered in South Africa as:
| Product | Strength | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Lansoloc OTC | Lansoprazole 15 mg | S2 |
| Lansoloc 15 | Lansoprazole 15 mg | S4 |
| Lansoloc | Lansoprazole 30 mg | S4 |
The S2 version is available from a pharmacist for short-term heartburn; the S4 versions are prescription-only. The medicine inside is the same — the schedule reflects how it is meant to be used and for how long.
Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The cells lining the stomach have a “proton pump” that pushes acid into the stomach, and lansoprazole shuts that pump down. The result is a substantial and sustained reduction in acid production.
Two features follow from how it works, and both matter in practice:
- It is not fast. A PPI takes a day or more to reach full effect, because it acts only on pumps that are actively working and new pumps keep being made. It is not the right choice for immediate relief of a single episode of heartburn — an antacid works in minutes; a PPI does not.
- It reduces acid rather than neutralising it. That is why it can heal ulcers and inflamed oesophagus, where simply neutralising acid after the fact cannot.
Other PPIs used in South Africa include omeprazole, esomeprazole and pantoprazole. They are closely related and often interchangeable, though they differ somewhat in drug interactions.
What is Lansoloc commonly used for?
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) — persistent heartburn and acid coming up into the throat.
- Healing reflux oesophagitis, where acid has inflamed or eroded the oesophagus lining.
- Stomach (gastric) and duodenal ulcers, both to heal them and to prevent recurrence.
- **Eradicating *Helicobacter pylori***, always combined with antibiotics — the PPI alone does not clear the bacterium.
- Protecting the stomach in people who must take an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen long term, or who have had an NSAID-related ulcer.
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare condition of acid overproduction.
- Persistent indigestion (dyspepsia) that has been assessed.
Short-term pharmacy use is meant to be short. The S2 form is intended for a limited course of frequent heartburn. Symptoms that keep returning after that need a proper assessment rather than an open-ended supply.
How Lansoloc fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Antacids | Calcium/magnesium salts, Citro-Soda | Neutralise acid already present; fast, brief |
| Alginates | Gaviscon-type products | Form a raft to block reflux |
| H2 blockers | Cimetidine, famotidine | Reduce acid moderately; faster onset than a PPI |
| Proton pump inhibitors | Lansoprazole (Lansoloc), omeprazole, pantoprazole | Strongest and most sustained acid reduction |
| Antispasmodics | Hyoscine | Relieve gut cramping, not acid |
| Anti-nausea | Metoclopramide | Nausea and gastric emptying |
For occasional heartburn after a heavy meal, an antacid is the sensible choice. For symptoms several times a week, or for healing damage, a PPI is the stronger tool. See the digestive and stomach medicines hub.
What to check before using Lansoloc
Take it before food, usually 30 to 60 minutes before the first meal of the day. PPIs work on active pumps, and a meal activates them — taken after eating, a good deal of the effect is lost. This is one of the most common reasons a PPI seems not to work.
Swallow capsules whole; do not crush or chew them, as the coating protects the medicine from stomach acid.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor first if you:
- Have liver disease, which may require a lower amount.
- Have osteoporosis or risk factors for it. Long-term PPI use is associated with a modest increase in fracture risk.
- Have low magnesium, or take a diuretic.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Take clopidogrel, methotrexate, digoxin, warfarin, an HIV medicine, an antifungal such as ketoconazole or itraconazole, or thyroid medicine. PPIs raise stomach pH, which changes how several medicines are absorbed.
- Are due to have an endoscopy or a test for H. pylori. A PPI can mask findings and produce a false negative, so tell whoever arranges the test that you are taking it.
Do not use it to self-treat indefinitely. If you need acid suppression continuously, the reason should be established.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Most people tolerate lansoprazole well. Common effects are headache, diarrhoea or constipation, wind, nausea and abdominal pain.
See a doctor before starting, or promptly if these appear, because they can indicate something a PPI would mask rather than treat:
- Difficulty or pain on swallowing, or food sticking.
- Unintended weight loss.
- Vomiting blood, or vomit like coffee grounds.
- Black, tarry stools.
- Persistent vomiting.
- A first episode of significant indigestion over the age of 55.
- Anaemia, or being told your iron is low.
Also seek advice for:
- Severe or watery diarrhoea, which can indicate a C. difficile infection — the risk is slightly raised on PPIs.
- Muscle cramps, tremor, palpitations or unusual tiredness, which may point to low magnesium with long-term use.
- A new rash, especially one worsened by sunlight.
- Swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing.
- Reduced urine output, which can rarely reflect kidney inflammation.
Do not stop long-term treatment abruptly without advice. Acid production can rebound above its previous level for a period, which feels like the original problem returning. A doctor may taper it instead.
Chest pain is not always indigestion. Pain with breathlessness, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw needs emergency assessment, not an antacid.
Related medicine guides
Frequently asked questions
What is Lansoloc used for? Reducing stomach acid — for reflux and heartburn, healing oesophagitis, treating and preventing stomach and duodenal ulcers, and as part of H. pylori treatment. It contains lansoprazole.
What is Lansoloc 15 mg used for? The lower strength, used for reflux symptoms and maintenance. A pharmacy-only (S2) version exists for short-term frequent heartburn; the S4 version is prescription-only.
What is Lansoloc 30 used for? The higher strength, generally used for healing ulcers or oesophagitis and for H. pylori eradication.
How long does it take to work? Not immediately. It builds over a day or more to full effect. For instant relief of one episode, an antacid is more suitable.
Should I take it before or after food? Before — typically 30 to 60 minutes before the first meal. Taking it after eating markedly reduces how well it works.
Is Lansoloc the same as omeprazole? They are different medicines in the same PPI class and work the same way. They are not identical and differ in some interactions.
Can I take it long term? Some people need to, under medical supervision. It should not be an indefinite self-treatment, as persistent symptoms need a cause.
Can I stop suddenly? Ask first if you have been on it a while. Acid can rebound temporarily, and a doctor may prefer to reduce it gradually.