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Peds Calc

Pediatric Reference

Lansoprazole Side EffectsComprehensive Pediatric Safety Guide

Lansoprazole is well tolerated in most children; diarrhea, headache, and abdominal pain are the most frequent effects.

6 Categories
12 Clinical Sources
Evidence-Based
Back to Lansoprazole Overview

Essential Information

1

Call immediately for watery or bloody diarrhea—PPIs can rarely trigger C. difficile infection

2

Monitor magnesium, vitamin B12, and bone health if therapy continues beyond 6–12 months

3

Encourage adequate calcium/vitamin D intake and weight-bearing activity for adolescents on long-term therapy

Clinical Overview

Assess gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms during initiation and re-evaluate chronic therapy to mitigate long-term risks such as hypomagnesemia or bone effects.

Side Effect Categories

6 Systems

Gastrointestinal

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 3

Diarrhea / abdominal pain

Incidence: Common
Onset: First days of therapy
mild
2 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Hydration, bland diet; call if severe, persistent, or bloody

Monitoring Guidelines

Track stool frequency and abdominal pain

2 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Constipation / nausea

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Fiber, hydration, small frequent meals

Monitoring Guidelines

Evaluate if vomiting or weight loss develops

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Neurologic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 2

Headache or dizziness

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
2 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Supportive care, rest; consider evening dosing

Monitoring Guidelines

Assess severity and impact on activities

2 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Infectious

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 2

Clostridioides difficile–associated diarrhea

Incidence: Rare
Onset: During therapy or up to several months after
severe
2 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop lansoprazole; urgent evaluation and stool testing

Monitoring Guidelines

Look for watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever

2 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Metabolic / nutrient

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 3

Hypomagnesemia (prolonged use)

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Typically after ≥3 months of continuous therapy
moderate
2 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Check magnesium, supplement if low, consider alternative therapy

Monitoring Guidelines

Screen for tremor, palpitations, cramps, or seizures

2 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Vitamin B12 deficiency (long-term)

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Monitor B12 in prolonged therapy, especially with neurologic symptoms

Monitoring Guidelines

Watch for fatigue, numbness, or mood changes

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Musculoskeletal

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Bone fracture risk (chronic high-dose use)

Incidence: Rare
Onset: After long-term use
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Optimize calcium/vitamin D intake; consider DEXA or endocrinology consult for high-risk patients

Monitoring Guidelines

Document fracture history and encourage weight-bearing exercise

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Renal / hypersensitivity

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Acute interstitial nephritis

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
severe
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop drug; obtain renal labs and treat per nephrology guidance

Monitoring Guidelines

Look for rash, fever, joint pain, or decreased urine output

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Parent Communication Guide

Age-Appropriate Explanations

Infants (0-12 months)

For babies taking Lansoprazole, watch for signs of side effects. This medication is generally well-tolerated in infants when used as directed.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

Let us know about watery poop or belly pain that will not go away.

Children (4-12 years)

Report loose stools, headaches, or muscle cramps while you take this medicine.

Adolescents (13+ years)

Avoid taking OTC PPIs on your own. Call for diarrhea with fever, palpitations, or unusual fatigue.

Common Parent Concerns

Q: Loose stools and stomach upset

A: Short-lived diarrhea is common; maintain hydration and call if severe or persistent.

When to validate: Urgent evaluation for watery/bloody stools, fever, or dehydration

Q: Long-term safety

A: We reassess PPI need regularly and monitor labs or bone health if therapy continues long term.

When to validate: Schedule routine follow-up for chronic therapy

Clinical Decision Support

Severity Assessment Framework

Guide decisions about continuing or stopping lansoprazole based on adverse effects.

Mild
Indicators: Transient diarrhea, Mild headache
Action: Continue with supportive care
Moderate
Indicators: Persistent GI symptoms, Low magnesium without symptoms
Action: Consider dose reduction, lab monitoring, or alternative therapy
Severe
Indicators: Watery/bloody diarrhea with fever, Seizures or arrhythmias, Renal dysfunction
Action: Stop lansoprazole immediately and refer for urgent evaluation

Treatment Decision Guidelines

Immediate Discontinuation

  • • Suspected C. difficile infection
  • • Hypersensitivity or interstitial nephritis
  • • Symptomatic hypomagnesemia

Consider Alternatives

  • • Recurrent moderate diarrhea
  • • Long-term use without clear indication

Dose Modification

  • • Mild, self-limited side effects

Clinical References

Lansoprazole Delayed-Release Capsules — DailyMed•U.S. National Library of Medicine (2025)Label
Lansoprazole — MedlinePlus Drug Information•MedlinePlus / NIH (2025)Patient Education
FDA Drug Safety Communication: C. difficile–associated diarrhea and PPIs•U.S. Food & Drug Administration (2012)Safety Communication
FDA Drug Safety Communication: Low magnesium levels with long-term PPI use•U.S. Food & Drug Administration (2011)Safety Communication
FDA Drug Safety Communication: Possible increased risk of fractures with PPI use•U.S. Food & Drug Administration (2010)Safety Communication

Frequently Asked Questions

Parent and clinician concerns about Lansoprazole