Lansoprazole vs. Omeprazole: Similarities and Differences

Similarities

Lansoprazole and Omeprazole belong to the family of proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s). Both work by reducing the stomach acid secreted by glands in the stomach lining.

Lansoprazole and Omeprazole share a similar side effect profile, including tolerable side effects such as headaches, diarrhoea, and stomach pain.

Both Omeprazole and Lansoprazole are relatively low-risk medications. So, you don’t have to worry about severe side effects.

Differences

Omeprazole and Lansoprazole come in different dosages. Omeprazole comes in three strengths. Your doctor can prescribe Omeprazole, 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg.

The recommended dose for treating acid reflux is Omeprazole 20 mg once daily. The length of treatment can be from 10 days to 8 weeks, although some patients may require this for longer.

Lansoprazole comes in 15 mg or 30 mg gastro-resistant tablets to relieve acid reflux. If your doctor prescribes 30 mg of Lansoprazole daily, you can take a single 30 mg tablet or one 15 mg tablet in the morning and another in the evening.

Never increase your omeprazole or lansoprazole dose before talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Doctors prescribe Omeprazole and Lansoprazole to patients of all ages. But doses are lower for children and older people. Your doctor can adjust the dosage based on your overall health and underlying medical condition.

Although both medications are PPI drugs,  some studies suggest Lansoprazole is faster-acting and more potent than Omeprazole.

Lansoprazole was released in 1995, whereas Omeprazole was released in 1998. 

Omeprazole generally has more interactions with other drugs than Lansoprazole.

Omeprazole is the preferred PPI in pregnancy. 

Lansoprazole can be used in adults and children over 1 year old. Omeprazole can be used in adults and children over 2 years old.

Effectiveness

According to a study, 30 mg lansoprazole reduced the acidity in the oesophagus and acid reflux symptoms more effectively than Omeprazole 20 mg.

Some people use PPI drugs with antacids. However, taking antacids with Lansoprazole can reduce how much is absorbed by the body. To avoid this risk, wait an hour between Lansoprazole and antacids.

Omeprazole can interact negatively with other medications. For example, taking Omeprazole with anticoagulant drugs can enhance anti-clotting effects. Talk to your doctor before using another medicine.

Safety Comparison

Lansoprazole is safe for most patients, including children and adults. But Lansoprazole is not suitable for some people. Doctors don’t recommend this medication to people who are allergic to Lansoprazole.

Gastro-resistant tablets with Lansoprazole can expose people with liver problems and pregnant women to several risks. Before taking Lansoprazole, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or have liver disease.

Omeprazole is safe to use during pregnancy. So, doctors recommend Omeprazole to pregnant women instead of Lansoprazole.

You can take Omeprazole or Lansoprazole while you're breastfeeding. But first, talk to your doctor to ensure your baby is healthy before using the medication.

Lansoprazole can hide medical issues spotted by doctors during an endoscopy. Your doctor can recommend that you stop taking Lansoprazole a few weeks before undergoing an endoscopy procedure.

Doctors combine several strategies to manage acid reflux, including medications, lifestyle changes, and home remedies.

PPI drugs, like Omeprazole and Lansoprazole, are more targeted than other treatment options. Here three FAQs about omeprazole and lansoprazole gastro-resistant tablets:  

How many hours after eating can you take Omeprazole?

Gastro-resistant tablets combat high stomach acid levels. But food can reduce the amount of Omeprazole getting into your system. So, take Omeprazole at least 30 - 60 minutes before a meal or snack.

Swallow your Omeprazole whole with water. Doctors recommend that patients take gastro-resistant tablets once a day in the morning.

Some people with severe acid reflux have to use Lansoprazole or Omeprazole twice daily in the morning and evening. Try to take your gastro-resistant tablets at the same time each day.

What if you missed a dose?

If you take Omeprazole or Lansoprazole once daily, take the missed dose. But never double the dosage to compensate for the missed dose.

Skip the missed Omeprazole or Lansoprazole dose if it is within 12 hours of your next dose, and take the next one at the usual time.

How fast does Omeprazole work?

Lansoprazole and Omeprazole have a half-life of less than 2 hours, but the duration of action is over 24 hours. Clinical trials have shown them both to be effective in various conditions, including:

Which is better, Omeprazole, Esomeprazole or Lansoprazole?

In the UK, you can often pick up PPIs like omeprazole or lansoprazole over the counter for things like heartburn or acid reflux. But if your symptoms are more serious, it’s a good idea to chat with your GP. They might recommend something stronger and faster-acting, like esomeprazole.

Omeprazole and Lansoprazole are PPI drugs used to treat and prevent acid reflux symptoms. Both work via a similar mechanism of action. Talk to your doctor to determine the best gastro-resistant tablets to manage acid reflux.

If your doctor recommends Omeprazole, buy Losec MUPS 10 or 20 mg. Omeprazole 20 mg is enough to treat the symptoms. You can also order lansoprazole gastro-resistant tablets from registered online pharmacies.

Resources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557385/

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/esomeprazole/common-questions-about-esomeprazole/

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4895/smpc/print

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12018920/