Lansoprazole and Omeprazole are two drugs coming under the drug class of proton pump inhibitors. Proton pumps are situated in mitochondrial membranes, which mean they are in all most all cells. The importance of these drugs is that they selectively inhibit proton pumps in the stomach lining. The mechanism of action is to inhibit H+/K+ ATPase enzyme selectively in gastric parietal cells. In organic chemistry, both these drugs are benzimidazoles containing substituted benzene ring and imidazole ring.
Lansoprazole
Lansoprazole is also known by the trade name Prevacid. This drug is used for the complications related to excessive acid secretion in the stomach and also diseases like Zollinger- Ellison syndrome. Lansoprazole could be given as a combination with antibiotics. The pill should be swallowed as a whole without chewing because it may damage the coating which is designed to protect the stomach. Granular suspension should be taken only with apple juice. Sometimes the granular suspension is delivered through nasogastric feeding tube.
There are a number of harmful effects of the drug. Animal studies have shown the chronic usage may cause stomach cancers although it is not confirmed with humans up to date. Tendency to increase bone fracture in hips, wrists, and spine is also found through clinical studies. Lansoprazole has various side effects. Uneven and fast heart rate, muscle weakness, diarrhea, coughing and choking, headache, and troubles in memory are some of the serious side effects. In addition, weight change, stomach pain, insomnia is also experienced. Lansoprazole should not be taken if one is allergic to the drug. It should not be taken while under medication of other benzimidazole drugs. A person who is taking HIV AIDS medicine, ampicillin, blood thinner, water pills, iron tablets, diabetes medicine always should seek medical advice before taking Lansoprazole. Lansoprazole intake is not advisable if a person has suffered from liver disease or has low Magnesium levels in the blood. If a person is taking sucralfate (Carafate) while taking Lansoprazole, it is better to at least give a 30 minute gap between the two intakes because sucralfate decreases Lansoprazole absorption. The daily dosage of Lansoprazole is 30mg and is larger than Omeprazole dosage of 20mg. Lansoprazole is not available for purchase without prescriptions.
Omeprazole
Omeprazole is also known by the trade names Prilosec and Zegerid. This is another proton pump inhibitor. It is frequently prescribed to treat complications related to excessive acid secretion in the stomach such as damage to the esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This drug cannot render immediate relief from heartburns. The tablet should be taken 30 minutes before meals. In addition to the harmful effects stated for Lansoprazole, this has shown the ability to decrease Vitamin B12 absorption and, therefore, cause B12 deficiency. Side effects and overdose effects are similar for both drugs.
Lansoprazole (Prevacid) vs Omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Lansoprazole use requires prescription, but Omeprazole could be used with or without a prescription.
• Daily dose of Lansoprazole is 30mg, but daily dose of Omeprazole is 20mg.
• Lansopazole is expensive than Omeprazole.