Clinical review of lansoprazole

Lansoprazole is an inhibitor of gastric H+,K(+)-ATPase, commonly referred to as the 'proton pump'. The pharmacodynamic effect of proton pump inhibition is to reduce gastric acid secretion. Long experience with H2 antagonists and more recently proton pump inhibitors has demonstrated the value of reducing gastric acid secretion in conditions where acid plays a key role in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal inflammation and ulceration. The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical safety of lansoprazole are discussed elsewhere in this supplement, and so this review will focus upon the European and American experience of the efficacy of lansoprazole in the treatment of peptic ulceration and gastro-oesophageal reflux.