Highlights for dexlansoprazole

  1. Dexlansoprazole oral capsule is only available as a brand-name drug. It isn’t available as a generic drug. Brand name: Dexilant.
  2. Dexlansoprazole comes only in the form of a delayed-release capsule you take by mouth. Delayed-release means the drug is released into your body more slowly.
  3. Dexlansoprazole oral capsule is used to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. It’s used to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It’s also used to treat erosive esophagitis (inflammation and ulceration of the lining of your esophagus).
  • Severe diarrhea warning: This drug may increase your risk for severe diarrhea. Severe diarrhea can be caused by an infection in your intestines called Clostridium difficile. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of this condition. Symptoms include watery stools, stomach pain, and a fever that won’t go away.
  • Bone fractures (breaks) warning: People who have taken this drug in multiple doses per day for a year or longer may have an increased risk for bone breaks. These fractures may be more likely to happen in your hip, wrist, or spine. You should take this drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the lowest dose possible, and for the shortest amount of time needed. Talk with your doctor about your risk for bone fractures.
  • Kidney damage warning: This drug may cause kidney damage. Call your doctor if you have flank pain (pain in your side and back) or changes in urination during treatment.
  • CLE and SLE warning: Dexlansoprazole can cause cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CLE and SLE are autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of CLE can range from a rash on the skin and nose, to a raised, scaly, red or purple rash on certain parts of the body. Symptoms of SLE can include fever, tiredness, weight loss, blood clots, heartburn, and stomach pain. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor.
  • Fundic gland polyps warning: Long-term use (especially over one year) of dexlansoprazole can cause fundic gland polyps. These polyps are growths on the lining of your stomach that can become cancerous. To help prevent these polyps, you should use this drug for as short a time as possible.
  • Heart valve damage in pediatric patients warning: Dexlansoprazole may cause heart valve thickening in children younger than 2 years of age.

Dexlansoprazole is a prescription drug. It comes as a delayed-release oral capsule. Delayed-release drugs are released into your body more slowly.

Dexlansoprazole oral capsule is only available as the brand-name drug Dexilant. It isn’t available as a generic drug.

Why it’s used

Dexlansoprazole is used to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. It treats heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis (inflammation of your esophagus).

How it works

Dexlansoprazole belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Dexlansoprazole works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. It also keeps the acid from entering your esophagus.

This helps relieve your symptoms of heartburn, such as a burning feeling in your chest or throat, a sour taste in your mouth, or burping. It also helps relieve symptoms of erosive esophagitis, such as trouble or pain when swallowing, a sore throat, or a hoarse voice.

Dexlansoprazole oral capsule doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of dexlansoprazole include:

  • diarrhea
  • stomach pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • gas
  • upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

  • Clostridium difficile, an infection that causes severe diarrhea. Symptoms can include:
    • watery stools
    • stomach pain
    • a fever that won’t go away
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency. This drug reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. You need stomach acid to absorb vitamin B12. If you’ve been taking this drug for more than 3 years, talk with your doctor. They may do blood tests to check your vitamin B12 level. Symptoms of a deficiency can include:
    • fatigue
    • headache
    • shortness of breath
    • pale skin
    • loss of appetite
    • bleeding gums
  • Low magnesium levels. This drug can cause low magnesium levels if you’ve been taking it for 3 months or longer. This condition can be serious. Your doctor may monitor your magnesium levels during your treatment with this drug. They may also tell you to take a magnesium supplement. Symptoms of low magnesium levels can include:
    • seizures
    • dizziness
    • abnormal or fast heart rate
    • jitters
    • tremors (jerking movements or shaking)
    • muscle weakness
    • spasms in your hands and feet
    • cramps or muscle aches
    • spasms of your voice box
  • Serious allergic reactions. Symptoms can include:
    • rash
    • swelling of your face
    • throat tightness
    • trouble breathing
  • Bone fractures (breaks). These fractures may be more likely to happen in your hip, wrist, or spine.
  • Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Symptoms can include:
    • rash on the skin and nose
    • raised, red, scaly, red or purple rash on your body
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Symptoms can include:
    • fever
    • tiredness
    • weight loss
    • blood clots
    • heartburn
  • Fundic gland polyps. They don’t usually cause symptoms.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Dexlansoprazole oral capsule can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with dexlansoprazole are listed below.

Drugs you should not use with dexlansoprazole

Do not take these drugs with dexlansoprazole. Doing so can cause dangerous effects in your body. Examples of these drugs include:

  • HIV drugs, such as atazanavir. Taking dexlansoprazole with one of these HIV drugs can lower the amount of that HIV drug in your body. This means that the HIV drug won’t work as well to treat HIV. You may even develop HIV resistance. This means that the HIV virus will no longer respond to treatment with that drug.

Interactions that increase your risk for side effects

Taking dexlansoprazole with certain medications raises your risk for side effects from those drugs. Examples of those drugs include:

  • Ampicillin esters. Dexlansoprazole can keep your body from absorbing antibiotics, such as ampicillin, well. Ampicillin may not work as well to treat your infection.
  • Ketoconazole. Dexlansoprazole can keep your body from absorbing ketoconazole well. Ketoconazole may not work as well to treat your infection.
  • Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Dexlansoprazole can keep your body from absorbing MMF well. That means MMF may not work as well. It isn’t known how this may affect your risk for organ rejection. If you take MMF, ask your doctor whether dexlansoprazole is safe for you.
  • Iron salts. Dexlansoprazole can keep your body from fully absorbing iron.
  • Erlotinib. Dexlansoprazole can keep your body from absorbing erlotinib well. Erlotinib may not work as well to treat your cancer.

Interactions that can make your drugs less effective

When certain drugs are used with dexlansoprazole, they may not work as well. This is because the amount of these drugs in your body may be decreased. Examples of these drugs include:

  • Ampicillin esters. Dexlansoprazole can keep your body from absorbing antibiotics, such as ampicillin, well. Ampicillin may not work as well to treat your infection.
  • Ketoconazole. Dexlansoprazole can keep your body from absorbing ketoconazole well. Ketoconazole may not work as well to treat your infection.
  • Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Dexlansoprazole can keep your body from absorbing MMF well. That means MMF may not work as well. It isn’t known how this may affect your risk for organ rejection. If you take MMF, ask your doctor whether dexlansoprazole is safe for you.
  • Iron salts. Dexlansoprazole can keep your body from fully absorbing iron.
  • Erlotinib. Dexlansoprazole can keep your body from absorbing erlotinib well. Erlotinib may not work as well to treat your cancer.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you’re taking.

This drug comes with several warnings.

Allergy warning

Dexlansoprazole can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms can include:

  • rash
  • swelling of your face
  • throat tightness
  • trouble breathing

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with liver problems: If you have liver problems or a history of liver disease, you may not be able to clear this drug from your body well. If you have moderate liver disease, your doctor may reduce your dosage of this drug. It isn’t known if this drug is safe for people with severe liver disease.

For people with vitamin B12 deficiency: If you’ve been taking this drug for more than 3 years, it may affect how well your body can absorb vitamin B12. This drug can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency. If you already have a vitamin B12 deficiency, your risk for a severe deficiency may be higher.

For people with osteoporosis: People who have taken multiple doses per day of this drug for a year or longer may have an increased risk for bone fractures. If you already have osteoporosis, your risk is even higher.

For people with low magnesium levels in their blood: This drug can cause low magnesium levels if you’ve been taking it for 3 months or longer. If you already have low magnesium levels, your risk for severely low levels may be higher.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: There are no studies with dexlansoprazole use in pregnant women to determine the risk of taking the drug during pregnancy.

Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed.

For women who are breastfeeding: It isn’t known if dexlansoprazole passes into breast milk. If it does, it may cause side effects in a child who’s breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For children: It has not been established that this drug is safe and effective for use in children younger than 12 years old.

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

  • your age
  • the condition being treated
  • the severity of your condition
  • other medical conditions you have
  • how you react to the first dose

Drug form and strengths

Brand: Dexilant

  • Form: delayed-release oral capsule
  • Strengths: 30 mg, 60 mg

Dosage for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

  • Typical dosage: 30 mg taken once per day.
  • Typical length of therapy: 4 weeks.

Child dosage (ages 12–17 years)

  • Typical dosage: 30 mg taken once per day.
  • Typical length of therapy: 4 weeks.

Child dosage (ages 0–11 years)

It has not been established that this drug is safe and effective for use in children younger than 12 years.

Dosage for erosive esophagitis

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

  • Typical dosage:
    • For treatment: 60 mg taken once per day.
    • For prevention (maintenance): 30 mg taken once per day.
  • Typical length of therapy: Up to 8 weeks for treatment. For maintenance therapy, studies did not extend treatment beyond 6 months. Your doctor can tell you more.

Child dosage (ages 12–17 years)

  • Typical dosage:
    • For treatment: 60 mg taken once per day.
    • For prevention (maintenance): 30 mg taken once per day.
  • Typical length of therapy: Up to 8 weeks for treatment. For maintenance therapy, studies did not extend treatment beyond 16 weeks. Your child’s doctor can tell you more.

Child dosage (ages 0–11 years)

It has not been established that this drug is safe and effective for use in children younger than 12 years.

Dosage warnings

For people with moderate liver disease: Your maximum dosage shouldn’t be more than 30 mg per day.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Dexlansoprazole oral capsule is used for short-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: The acid damage to your esophagus may not heal. Also, your symptoms of heartburn or erosive esophagitis won’t improve.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

  • high blood pressure
  • hot flashes
  • bruising
  • pain in your throat area
  • weight loss

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222 or through their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: Your symptoms of heartburn or erosive esophagitis should get better.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes dexlansoprazole for you.

General

  • You can take dexlansoprazole with or without food.
  • Don’t chew dexlansoprazole capsules. Swallow them whole. You can open the capsules and sprinkle them onto a small amount of soft food or liquid. Swallow the drug mixture right away.

Storage

  • Store this drug at room temperature. Keep it between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
  • Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

  • Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
  • Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t harm your medication.
  • You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
  • Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

You and your doctor should monitor certain health issues. This can help make sure you stay safe while you take this drug. These issues include:

  • Liver function. Your doctor may do blood tests to check how well your liver is working. If you have liver disease, your doctor may reduce your dosage of this drug.
  • Diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea that’s not going away. Your doctor may check to see if you have an infection caused by Clostridium difficile.
  • Magnesium levels. This drug may decrease the level of magnesium in your blood. Your doctor may check your magnesium blood levels during treatment. You may need to take magnesium supplements.
  • Vitamin B12 levels. This drug may decrease the levels of vitamin B12 in your body. Your doctor may check your vitamin B12 levels. You may need to have vitamin B12 injections.
  • Bone strength. Your doctor may do tests to see if you have osteoporosis. This drug may increase your risk for osteoporosis-related bone fractures.

Availability

Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.

Prior authorization

Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.