Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole)

Dexilant 30mg Capsule

Dexilant is a medication that is used for treating heartburn that is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This medication can also be used to heal erosive esophagitis, which is damage that is caused to the esophagus due to stomach acid.

Dexilant can also be used for other purposes as prescribed by a doctor. This medication is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is made to provide delayed release protection for the esophagus from stomach acid.

What is Dexilant?

Dexilant is used to treat acid reflux and stomach discomfort, and other problems. Dexilant is in a class of medications that are called proton pump inhibitors. Dexilant is a version of the drug that is called dexlansoprazole. This medication was FDA approved in 2009, and it is stated that it is used to treat issues with the stomach and the esophagus.

This medication cannot be given to children younger than two years of age due to the risk of side effects.

How Does Dexilant Work?

This medication works by halting the production of stomach acid. This means that reflux, as well as conditions related to ulcers, are easier to manage and prevent while a person takes this medication. Reducing the acid in the stomach can allow tissues to heal and help to prevent erosion of the esophagus.

This is a delayed-release medication that will continue to work many hours after it has been taken. This helps to prevent excess stomach acid for hours after a single dose.

Dosage and Storage

The recommended dosage for this medication is 30 mg once daily for up to 6 months. There are also 60 mg tablets that can be taken for more serious conditions. When taking this medication for maintenance of healed EE, you will take 30 mg once daily for four weeks.

This medication should be taken with a full glass of water. Dexilant pills cannot be chewed and must be swallowed whole. Dexilant can be taken with or without food. If you cannot swallow the pill whole, you will need to take it with applesauce.

In cases where Dexilant is being taken to heal erosive esophagitis or to relieve heartburn, you will take this medication for six months in adults. Children 12 through 17 years of age will take this medication for 4 to 16 weeks. Follow the dosing instructions of your doctor carefully when taking Dexilant.

Continue to take this medication as directed by your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. Tell any doctor that is treating you for other conditions that you are taking Dexilant. This medication might also cause you to have false results on a urine sample for drug screening. Tell the laboratory that you are taking this medication.

Dexilant can be stored at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture. It should be sealed in an airtight container.

SIDE EFFECTS

The common side effects of Dexilant are as follows:

  •         Diarrhea
  •         Stomach pain
  •         Vomiting
  •         Nausea
  •         Gas
  •         Stuffy nose
  •         Sneezing
  •         Cold symptoms

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Before you take Dexilant, you will need to tell your doctor if you are allergic to similar drugs in the same class, such as lansoprazole or omeprazole. You will also want to disclose any other allergies that you might have. This product contains inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions in some.

You will also need to tell your doctor if you have a medical history of lupus or liver disease. Make sure to seek medical help right away if you have heartburn, lightheadedness, sweating, dizziness, or chest and shoulder pain. Also, seek attention if you have shortness of breath and unusual sweating or weight loss. These can be symptoms of a more serious reaction to Dexilant.

Proton pump inhibitors can increase your risk for bone fractures, and the longer that you use these medications, the more likely that you will suffer bone density issues. You need to limit the time that you take this medication to prevent irreversible bone loss. You can offset some of the damage to your bone density with calcium citrate and vitamin D supplements.

INTERACTIONS

Dexilant can interact with other medications that you might be taking. You will need to tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking.

Methotrexate, particularly in high doses, will interact negatively with this drug. Some other products and medications require stomach acid to work properly. Dexilant will decrease your stomach acid, which can create issues with the way other medications work.

Affected products might be the following:

  •         Itraconazole
  •         Ketoconazole
  •         Posaconazole
  •         Rilpivirine
  •         Azole antifungals
  •         Erlotinib
  •         Atazanavir
  •         Ampicillin
  •         Levoketoconazole
  •         Nelfinavir

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Do not take Dexilant with lansoprazole. These products are very similar in nature and cannot be combined. Do not take Dexilant if you are allergic to any of the components of this medication. This medication can interfere with the function of some medications, such as antibiotics.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Dexilant is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of stomach acid that is produced. This medication will reduce erosion in the esophagus and allow for the healing of stomach ulcers. This medication can treat heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD.

This medication is sold in 30 mg tablets and 60 mg tablets. The lower dose is for maintenance treatment as well as treatment of younger patients.

This medication is delivered in delayed-release tablets. You cannot chew these tablets as this will impact their effectiveness. The usual starting dose is 60 mg once daily for eight weeks. Maintenance is 30 mg once a day for up to 6 months. This medication must be taken with a full 20 ml glass of water.

Those who are allergic to Dexilant cannot take this medication. Anyone who is taking rilpivirine cannot take Dexilant. Those taking lansoprazole or omeprazole cannot take Dexilant.

This medication can cause dizziness, sweating, diarrhea, nausea, and other side effects. Serious side effects include arm, shoulder, and chest pain. Unexplained weight loss is also a side effect. Bone loss can be a side effect when this medication is taken for too long.

Before taking this medication, make sure that you tell your doctor about any other health conditions that you are taking medications for. You will need to be careful about how long you take this medication, as it can cause bone loss over time. Proton pump inhibitors can also cause infection in the digestive tract and affect the way that other medications function.

Dexilant can be taken while you are breastfeeding, but it is not known if this medication will affect the baby. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medication.

Azole, apalutamide, alcohol, amphetamines, capecitabine, cysteamine, dexmethylphenidate, digoxin, cefuroxime, among others.

You will need to talk to your doctor right away if you are taking one of the medications that can interact with Dexilant. You might need to stop taking this medication if you are taking medications that interact with it.

Your skin might blister, peel, or turn red if you are highly allergic to this medication. Contact your doctor right away if you experience this set of symptoms.

Dexilant can be stored at room temperature if it is kept away from heat. Do not allow your medication to be placed in direct sunlight either.

Children under two years of age cannot take this medication without the risk of severe side effects.

You must never chew the pills as this will impact the dosage of the medication, as well as the delivery method.

Take your missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, just wait until then and take the regular dose.

This medication will come with a medication guide. You could ask your pharmacist for one if you did not receive it with your pills.