Lancap 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. It comes as 15 mg and 30 mg capsules, with a pharmacy-only 15 mg version also available.
What is Lancap?
Lancap is registered in South Africa as:
| Product | Contains | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Lancap OTC | Lansoprazole 15 mg | S2 |
| Lancap 15 mg | Lansoprazole 15 mg | S4 |
| Lancap 30 mg | 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 also sold as Lansoloc and other generics.
Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The cells lining the stomach have a “proton pump” that pushes acid into the stomach; lansoprazole shuts that pump down, substantially and durably reducing acid production.
Two features follow, 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 one 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 an inflamed oesophagus, where neutralising acid after the fact cannot.
The capsules contain enteric-coated granules, which protect the medicine from stomach acid. Swallow them whole. If swallowing is difficult, some products may be opened and the granules sprinkled on soft food and swallowed without chewing — ask a pharmacist rather than assuming, as this varies by product.
What is Lancap commonly used for?
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) — persistent heartburn and acid rising into the throat.
- Healing reflux oesophagitis, where acid has inflamed or eroded the oesophageal lining.
- Stomach (gastric) and duodenal ulcers, both healing them and preventing 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 proper assessment rather than an open-ended supply.
How Lancap 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 | Moderate acid reduction; faster onset than a PPI |
| Proton pump inhibitors | Lansoprazole (Lancap), omeprazole | Strongest and most sustained acid reduction |
| Antispasmodics | Hyoscine | 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 to heal damage, a PPI is the stronger tool. See the digestive and stomach medicines hub.
What to check before using Lancap
Take it before food, usually 30 to 60 minutes before the first meal of the day. PPIs act 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.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor first if you:
- Have liver disease, which may require a lower dose.
- 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 a PPI can mask rather than treat them:
- 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 — slightly more likely on PPIs.
- Muscle cramps, tremor, palpitations or unusual tiredness, which may indicate 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.
- Numbness or tingling with tiredness — long-term PPI use can reduce vitamin B12 absorption.
Do not stop long-term treatment abruptly without advice. Acid production can rebound above its previous level for a period, which feels exactly like the original problem returning and often prompts people to restart unnecessarily. 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 Lancap used for? Reducing stomach acid — for reflux and heartburn, healing oesophagitis, treating and preventing ulcers, and as part of H. pylori treatment. It contains lansoprazole.
What is Lancap 15 mg used for? The lower strength, used for reflux symptoms and maintenance. A pharmacy-only version exists for short-term frequent heartburn.
What is Lancap 30 mg 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. 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.
Can I open the capsule? Some products allow the granules to be sprinkled on soft food and swallowed without chewing. Ask a pharmacist rather than assuming.
Can I take it long term? Some people need to, under medical supervision. It should not be an indefinite self-treatment.
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.