What is Dexilant Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayDexilant (dexlansoprazole) is a prescription medication that is indicated to heal erosive esophagitis, provide heartburn relief, and treat GERD. It is indicated for use in adults and children aged 12 years and older.
Dexilant overview
- Dexilant
- Healing erosive esophagitis and treatment of GERD
- Dexlansoprazole
- Oral
- Delayed-release capsule
- PPI
What is Dexilant used for?
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is a prescription proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
- Healing of erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
- Maintaining healing of EE and relief of heartburn
- Treating heartburn associated with symptomatic non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
How does Dexilant work?
Dexilant is a proton pump inhibitor that contains the active ingredient dexlansoprazole. It reduces stomach acid secretion by binding and inhibiting the hydrogen-potassium ATPase pump (gastric proton pump) found within the parietal cells of your stomach. This allows peptic ulcers to heal as well as reduces symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Dexilant?
- 30 mg delayed-release capsule
- 60 mg delayed-release capsule
How to take Dexilant
- Take Dexilant exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking Dexilant without talking to your doctor first.
- Dexilant can be taken with or without food.
- Swallow Dexilant capsules whole. If you have trouble swallowing Dexilant capsules, you can open the capsules and sprinkle the contents on a tablespoon of applesauce. Be sure to swallow the applesauce mixture right away. Do not chew the mixture.
- If you miss a dose of Dexilant, take it immediately. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not an extra dose to make up for the missed dose.
- If you take too much Dexilant, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital or emergency room.
- Dexliant is a pregnancy category B as there are no adequate and well-controlled studies with dexlansoprazole in pregnant women. Discuss the risks of taking Dexilant while pregnant with your healthcare provider.
- It is not known whether Dexilant is excreted in breast milk. It was found in rat milk during animal studies. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you should remain on Dexilant while breastfeeding.
- Read the Instructions for Use and Medication Guide with drug information that comes with your Dexilant prescription.
- Store Dexilant at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Dexilant contraindications
- Patients with known hypersensitivity to Dexilant or any of its inactive ingredients.
Dexilant warnings
- Stomach cancer – Some symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn can be due to stomach cancer. Notify your doctor if your symptoms don’t resolve while taking Dexilant or come back quickly after stopping this medication.
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea – Dexilant can cause an increased risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
- Bone Fracture – Long-term Dexilant therapy may cause an increased risk for osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine.
- Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels – Decreased magnesium and vitamin B12 levels have been reported rarely with prolonged treatment with drugs like Dexilant.
- Long-term use of Dexilant may make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B12.
- Cutaneous or systemic lupus erythematosus may occur or worsen in people receiving Dexilant. Notify your healthcare provider if you have a skin rash or joint pain that gets worse wit exposure to the sun.
Dexilant drug interactions
When Dexilant is taken with other medications, they may interact and change how they work. It may also increase the severity of certain side effects or make them more likely to occur. Make sure your doctor is aware of all the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some major drug interactions with Dexilant include:
- Atazanavir should not be taken with Dexilent because atazanavir concentrations may be decreased.
- Dexilant may interfere with the absorption of pH-dependent drugs such as ampicillin, digoxin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, erlotinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, mycophenolate mofetil, and iron.
- Patients taking warfarin may require regular monitoring for increased bleeding times.
- Taking tacrolimus with Dexilant may increase tacrolimus blood concentrations.
- Dexilant may increase serum levels of methotrexate.
- St. John’s wort and rifampin can decrease the amount of Dexilant in your body.
- Dexilant may reduce the antiviral effect of some antiretroviral drugs such as rilpivirine, atazanavir, and nelfinavir.
Side effects of Dexilant
Some common side effects of Dexilant can include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Vomiting
- Flatulence (gas)
Some serious side effects of Dexilant include:
- Severe diarrhea that may be due to Clostridium difficile
- Bone fracture
- Low magnesium levels
- Lupus erythematosus
- Serious allergic reactions (rash, face swelling, throat tightness, difficulty breathing)
You can report any possible side effects you experience to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Dexilant alternatives
There are other medications to treat heart failure that your healthcare professional can prescribe if Dexilant is not the right medication for you. Some FDA-approved alternative treatment options include:
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
- Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
Is Dexilant better than Prilosec (omeprazole)?
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole and Dexilant are commonly used to treat erosive esophagitis, GERD, and heartburn. They both work the same way to decrease the amount of acid your stomach produces. Omeprazole takes about 30 minutes to work while Dexilant takes 1 to 2 hours. Omeprazole also has a longer half-life so in theory, it should work longer than Dexilant. Food doesn’t affect the absorption of Dexilant while taking omeprazole with food can decrease your body’s absorption by half. Dexilant also causes fewer stomach issues such as diarrhea.
Cost is a big difference between the 2 medications. Omeprazole will cost less than $10 for #30, 20mg capsules. Dexilant does have a generic available but it is still more expensive Generic Dexilant will cost around $150 for #30, 60mg capsules.
Dexilant FAQs
What doses of Dexilant are available?
Dexilant is a delayed-release capsule taken by mouth that’s available in strengths of 30mg and 60mg.
How long does Dexilant stay in the system?
While Dexilant has a half-life of between 1 to 2 hours, it will stay in your system for up to 24 hours.
How do I store Dexilant?
Dexilant should be stored at room temperature 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) away from light and moisture.
How long does it take for Dexilant to start working?
Dexilant will take 1 to 2 hours to start working.
Is there a generic for Dexilant?
While there is a generic for Dexilant available, you may still save money taking brand-name Dexilant with the help of NiceRx.
