Can I take Lansoprazole and Clopidogrel together?

It is generally not recommended to take lansoprazole and clopidogrel together as lansoprazole can reduce how well clopidogrel works, making it less effective at preventing blood clots.

Clopidogrel needs to be changed into its active form by an enzyme in the liver (called CYP2C19) to work properly. Lansoprazole can interfere with this enzyme, meaning less of the clopidogrel is converted into its active 'blood-thinning' form.

You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking these together. They may suggest an alternative stomach acid medicine, such as pantoprazole or famotidine, which are less likely to interfere with clopidogrel.

How to know if you're having a drug interaction

You may be experiencing an interaction between lansoprazole and clopidogrel if you notice:

• Chest pain or pressure.

• Shortness of breath.

• Weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking.

• Unexplained blood clots or stroke-like symptoms.

• Changes in bleeding patterns (less than expected).

What you should do

If you notice these symptoms:

• Call emergency services immediately for chest pain, shortness of breath, or stroke-like signs.

• Do not stop your medications on your own.

• Contact your doctor as soon as possible.

• Keep a record of your symptoms and medications.

Important precautions

Drug Interaction

Lansoprazole can make clopidogrel less effective, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may suggest a different stomach medicine, such as famotidine, instead.

Bleeding Risk

You must tell any surgeon or dentist that you are taking clopidogrel before any procedure is planned, as it increases the risk of serious bleeding and may need to be stopped 7 days in advance.

Severe diarrhoea

Lansoprazole can increase your risk of serious bowel infections. If you develop severe or persistent watery diarrhoea, or a fever, contact your doctor immediately and do not take anti-diarrhoeal medicine.

Lupus (SLE) or skin reactions

Contact your doctor if you develop a skin rash, especially in areas exposed to the sun, as lansoprazole can cause a rare but serious autoimmune skin reaction.

Food and drink warnings

Grapefruit juice

Avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice. Grapefruit contains compounds that can reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel, potentially making it less effective at preventing blood clots.

Alcohol

While alcohol does not directly interact with lansoprazole, it is best to limit or avoid it. Alcohol can increase stomach acid production and irritate the digestive system, which may worsen the symptoms your medicine is trying to treat.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking clopidogrel. Both alcohol and clopidogrel can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of internal bleeding, particularly in the stomach and intestines.

Caffeine (coffee, tea, cola)

Caffeine can trigger or worsen symptoms of acid reflux and stomach ulcers. If you are taking lansoprazole for these conditions, reducing your caffeine intake may help the medicine work more effectively.

Food (Timing)

Lansoprazole works best if you take it at least 30 minutes before food. Taking it with or after food can make it less effective at reducing stomach acid.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.