Lansoprazole vs. Omeprazole

These are the two most common types of proton pump inhibitors. A class drug commonly used as acid reflux medicines or to treat stomach ulcers. They work by reducing the production of stomach acid. In this article we give an overview of both medications and answer common questions like “are lansoprazole and omeprazole the same thing?”

What Are Lansoprazole and Omeprazole?

Lansoprazole and Omeprazole are both medications belonging to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors are often prescribed in the treatment of conditions such as stomach ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. This is because this type of medication can decrease the production of stomach acid that can worsen symptoms such as acid reflux in the listed conditions.

How Do Proton Pump Inhibitors Work?

It might help to have a little explanation of the biology. Acid is normally required in the stomach to help with digestion, activate enzymes, and kill bacteria. This gastric acid is produced by something in the stomach lining called proton pumps.

If there is an issue with the gastric acid such as too much gastric acid or gastric acid damaging the lower oesophagus, we will want to treat this by reducing the gastric acid produced so that recovery can occur.

Therefore, as the name suggests, proton pump inhibitors block the proton pumps in the stomach lining. This decreases the production of acid and helps to ease symptoms such as acid reflux. It also allows for the affected areas such as the stomach lining or the lower oesophagus to heal.

What Are Lansoprazole and Omeprazole Used For?

Both lansoprazole and omeprazole are proton pump inhibitors. They can therefore reduce the volume of acid produced by the proton pumps in the stomach. This can ease symptoms in many conditions notably acid reflux, heartburn, stomach ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.

Treating Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid splashes back at the lower oesophagus and can cause chest pain and irritation of the tissue there. In more severe and prolonged cases, this can become gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Lansoprazole and Omeprazole can reduce the amount of stomach acid produced and therefore decrease the amount or likelihood that it will splash black into the oesophagus. This allows for recovery and relief of symptoms.

Heartburn Relief

Heartburn is the burning type of chest pain that is caused by stomach acid splashing back into the oesophagus, also known as acid reflux. Omeprazole and Lansoprazole can help treat this as they can decrease the production of stomach acid. However, if you are getting frequent heartburn, you can also consider over-the-counter heartburn relief such as Gaviscon.

Stomach Ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Stomach ulcers are open sores or a break in the stomach lining. These can be treated with Lansoprazole or Omeprazole which can decrease the acidity of the stomach environment to allow these breaks to heal without irritating or causing further damage to the stomach.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is a rare condition where a tumour (usually in the gut or pancreas) causes the stomach to overproduce acid. Proton pump inhibitors are therefore important medications in the management of this condition to help relieve symptoms.

Lansoprazole vs. Omeprazole: Key Differences

So what is the difference between omeprazole and lansoprazole? Despite the fact that they are both proton pump inhibitors, if you are unsure about omeprazole versus lansoprazole, there are some key differences between them that you may want to be aware of. This is a brief outline of those differences, if you have any further questions or concerns about lansoprazole compared to omeprazole, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.

Dosage Recommendations             

Onset of Action         

Duration of Effects               

Cost and Availability               

Side Effects of Lansoprazole and Omeprazole

While these medications are generally well tolerated and widely considered to be safe, some people do report side effects so it is important you are aware of them so you can flag concerns if needed. Here is a brief overview of omeprazole vs lansoprazole side effects.

Common Side Effects

lansoprazole or omeprazole may cause:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Stomach pains, nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation

Rare Side Effects

• Lansoprazole or Omeprazole can cause:
• Constipation
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Muscle pains
• Irregular heartbeat
• Anxiety

Serious Side Effects to Watch For

Some people may be allergic to lansoprazole or omeprazole. Pay extra attention if it is the first time you are taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Swollen tongue, mouth, or throat
• Struggling to breathe
• Breathing very quickly
• Sudden confusion or drowsiness
• Severe rash

In some people, these proton pump inhibitors can cause liver problems, a higher risk of bone fractures, or severe diarrhoea.

Long-Term Use of Lansoprazole and Omeprazole

Some medical conditions may require long-term use of lansoprazole or omeprazole to help manage symptoms. While these medications are generally safe, if you need to take them long term, it is important that you are being monitored by a medical professional. Monitoring by a medical professional might include regular check-ups or blood tests to check that the medication is still safe and suitable for you. This is because you are at a higher risk of kidney problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, and bone fractures if you are taking lansoprazole or omeprazole for an extended period of time.

Can You Take Lansoprazole and Omeprazole Together?

If you are thinking “can I take lansoprazole and omeprazole together?”, no, it is not recommended to take both these drugs at the same time. They are both proton pump inhibitors and are thus both decreasing stomach acid by the same mechanism. There is no added benefit to taking them together. On the contrary, it may increase your risk of side effects. If you are currently taking one of lansoprazole or omeprazole and you feel that it is not doing enough to relieve your symptoms, it is advised that you share these concerns with a medical professional who may alter your dose or discuss alternative options.

Which Is Better: Lansoprazole or Omeprazole?

A frequently asked question is: is omeprazole better than lansoprazole? The answer to this question will not be the same for everyone as many individual factors can affect which medication is more suitable. For example, you and your healthcare provider will need to consider the condition that the medication is prescribed to treat, the side effects of the medications, or whether it may interact with other medication you take.

Overall, both lansoprazole and omeprazole are safe and effective in reducing stomach acid and relieving symptoms in conditions such as acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and more. If you are thinking about changing from omeprazole to lansoprazole, please consult your healthcare provider.

Alternatives to Lansoprazole and Omeprazole

Lansoprazole and Omeprazole are the most common general health treatments for reducing stomach acid production, however there are some alternatives if it has been found that these two proton pump inhibitors are not suitable for you. For example:

• Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole, or Rabeprazole: these are all alternative proton pump inhibitors which work like lansoprazole and omeprazole 
• Ranitidine or Famotidine: these are types of H2 Receptor Antagonists that can reduce stomach acid in a different way to proton pump inhibitors. Specifically, they block histamine from binding to H2 Receptor Antagonists and thus reduce the production of stomach acid.