Dexilant
In brief
- Dexilant is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) whose active ingredient is dexlansoprazole, supplied here as delayed-release capsules of 30 mg and 60 mg.
- Dexilant lowers stomach acid and is directed by doctors for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including healing and maintaining healing of erosive esophagitis.
- Dexilant capsules come in packs of 30 to 180 capsules.
- Dexilant is a prescription medicine; the doctor chooses the strength, the duration and whether it is still needed.
- The usual pattern is one capsule of Dexilant a day, swallowed whole, at a dose the doctor sets.
- Any PPI taken for a long time, Dexilant included, has been linked to C. difficile infection, fractures, low magnesium and low vitamin B12.
- Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools needs urgent medical help; report trouble swallowing or unexplained weight loss to a doctor before starting Dexilant.
- Delivery time depends on the shipping method and is shown at checkout.
Dexilant Key Facts
- Active ingredient (INN): dexlansoprazole
- What is supplied: delayed-release capsules, 30 mg and 60 mg
- Capsules per pack: 30 to 180
- Drug class: proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
- Status: prescription medicine
Acid-Related Conditions Managed With Dexilant
Dexilant is a prescription medicine that reduces the acid produced by the stomach. Doctors turn to Dexilant for upper digestive conditions linked to acid. Heartburn can also signal other illnesses, which is why the diagnosis and the plan stay with your doctor.
- healing of erosive esophagitis, in which stomach acid has damaged the lining of the esophagus,
- keeping erosive esophagitis healed and easing heartburn afterwards,
- relief of heartburn caused by non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Dexilant is a daily therapy, not a remedy for a sudden bout of heartburn, and the doctor decides how long it continues.
The Dual Delayed-Release Design of Dexilant
Dexlansoprazole, the active ingredient of Dexilant, shuts down the proton pumps in the stomach lining, which carry out the final step of acid production. The Dexilant capsule releases its medicine in two phases at different times, a dual delayed-release design that spreads the acid-lowering action across the day. The granules inside must not be crushed or chewed. A capsule may be swallowed whole, or opened so the intact granules can be sprinkled on one tablespoon of applesauce and swallowed straight away without chewing.
Dexilant Doses and Treatment Length
Your doctor determines the Dexilant strength and how long you take it. The adult ranges below are informational, based on typical monograph guidance, and do not replace your doctor's instructions.
| Reason for use | Informational adult range | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Healing erosive esophagitis | Dexilant 60 mg once a day, up to 8 weeks | the doctor reviews how it went |
| Maintaining healed erosive esophagitis | Dexilant 30 mg once a day | the doctor decides how long |
| Heartburn from non-erosive GERD | Dexilant 30 mg once a day for 4 weeks | continue only if the doctor says so |
Practical Tips for Taking Dexilant Capsules
- Swallow each Dexilant capsule whole with water once a day; food is optional.
- Never crush or chew the capsule or its granules. If swallowing is hard, follow the leaflet instructions on opening the capsule and using applesauce.
- Pick a regular time of day for Dexilant.
- When a dose is missed, take it once you remember unless the next one is almost due. Do not double up.
- Ask your doctor before changing the strength or stopping Dexilant.
When Dexilant Should Not Be Taken
- Allergy to dexlansoprazole, lansoprazole or any other capsule ingredient.
- Treatment with rilpivirine, which must not be combined with PPIs.
- A past severe allergic reaction to a different PPI; talk to your doctor before using Dexilant.
Before starting Dexilant, tell your doctor about liver disease, low magnesium, osteoporosis, lupus and all your other medicines. A liver problem may require a different dose.
Dexilant Side Effects and Long-Term Risks
Common Dexilant Side Effects
- diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain,
- gas, constipation and stomach upset,
- headache,
- cough or a cold-like illness affecting the upper airways.
The monograph lists how often each effect occurs.
Serious Dexilant Side Effects
- Clostridioides difficile infection: watery diarrhea that will not go away, stomach pain or fever during or after Dexilant.
- Fractures: PPIs, mainly at high doses and over a long time, are tied to a greater risk of hip, wrist and spine fractures.
- Low magnesium: possible signs are muscle spasms, an irregular heartbeat, tiredness or seizures.
- Low vitamin B12: may develop with prolonged use of Dexilant.
- Kidney inflammation, lupus, severe skin reactions and severe allergic reactions are rare but important.
Persistent diarrhea, joint pain with a rash, or muscle spasms warrant a prompt call to your doctor. A severe rash with blisters, peeling or sores in the mouth or eyes means stopping Dexilant and getting urgent medical help, as do vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, chest pain, trouble swallowing, swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing.
Medicines That Interact With Dexilant
- Rilpivirine and atazanavir: lower stomach acid under Dexilant can reduce the absorption of these HIV medicines; combining Dexilant with rilpivirine is contraindicated.
- Methotrexate: PPIs may raise methotrexate levels, especially at high doses.
- Warfarin: INR checks can be needed when Dexilant is started or stopped.
- Tacrolimus and digoxin: levels can shift, so monitoring may be adjusted.
- Medicines that need stomach acid for absorption, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole and iron salts, may be absorbed less well.
- Diuretics and other magnesium-lowering medicines: your doctor may check magnesium during long-term Dexilant treatment.
Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of medicines, vitamins and herbal products.
Dexilant, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, tell your doctor, who decides about Dexilant after weighing benefit against risk.
Lifestyle Habits Alongside Dexilant
Dexilant tends to work best together with the habits your doctor recommends: smaller meals, no eating late at night, a raised head of the bed, fewer trigger foods, no smoking and a healthy body weight. Alcohol does not interact directly with Dexilant but can make reflux worse. Dexilant is not known to affect driving, although dizziness has been reported, so notice how you feel before you drive.
Storing Dexilant Capsules
- Leave Dexilant capsules in the original pack at room temperature, protected from moisture.
- Keep them away from children.
- Do not take Dexilant after the expiry date.
Dexilant Next to Other Acid-Lowering Medicines
| Medicine | Substance | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Dexilant | dexlansoprazole | PPI in dual delayed-release capsules; once a day, food optional |
| Lansoprazole | lansoprazole | PPI related to dexlansoprazole; commonly taken before a meal |
| Omeprazole / esomeprazole | omeprazole / esomeprazole | PPIs commonly taken before a meal |
| Famotidine | famotidine | H2 blocker with a shorter and milder action than a PPI |
Your doctor, not you, picks between Dexilant and other acid-lowering medicines.
Dexilant FAQ
Does Dexilant stop heartburn right away?
Dexilant is meant as a daily treatment, so it is not designed to act on a sudden episode. Speak to your doctor if heartburn keeps returning.
Can Dexilant capsules be opened?
If swallowing is difficult, the leaflet explains how to open a Dexilant capsule and take the intact granules on one tablespoon of applesauce, swallowed at once without chewing. The granules must never be crushed or chewed.
Do I need regular check-ups while on Dexilant?
Long-term PPI use is linked to the risks described above, so your doctor should review from time to time whether you still need Dexilant and at what dose.
Which Dexilant strengths and packs are offered?
Dexilant is supplied as delayed-release capsules of 30 mg and 60 mg, in packs of 30 to 180 capsules. Delivery time depends on the shipping method and is shown at checkout.
