Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat erosive esophagitis and heartburn. The drug comes as a delayed-release oral capsule. It’s usually taken once daily.
Dexilant is used in adults and in children 12 years of age and older to:
- heal the lining of the esophagus* in a condition called erosive esophagitis (also known as reflux esophagitis)
- relieve heartburn and protect the lining of the esophagus in erosive esophagitis after it’s healed
- relieve heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
The active ingredient in Dexilant is dexlansoprazole. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Dexilant belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors.
This article describes the dosages of Dexilant, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Dexilant, see this in-depth article.
* Your esophagus is the tube between your throat and stomach that transports food, liquids, and saliva from your mouth to your stomach.
The table below highlights the basics of Dexilant’s dosage. All dosages are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Minimum dosage | Recommended starting dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mg once daily | 30 mg once daily | 60 mg once daily |
What is Dexilant’s form?
Dexilant comes as a delayed-release capsule that you swallow.
What strengths does Dexilant come in?
Dexilant comes in two strengths: 30 mg and 60 mg.
What are the usual dosages of Dexilant for adults?
Your doctor will select your dosage of Dexilant based on the condition being treated and will adjust the dosage over time. They’ll prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Dexilant is prescribed to relieve heartburn in adults with GERD. For this use, the usual Dexilant dosage is 30 mg once daily. It’s typically prescribed for 4 weeks.
Dosage for erosive esophagitis
The dosage for erosive esophagitis depends on whether the lining of the esophagus is currently inflamed and injured or has healed.
For adults who have active erosive esophagitis with an inflamed and injured esophagus, the usual dosage of Dexilant is 60 mg once daily. This dosage is typically prescribed for up to 8 weeks.
Dexilant may be prescribed to relieve heartburn and protect the lining of the esophagus in adults whose erosive esophagitis has healed. For this use, the usual dosage of Dexilant is 30 mg once daily. This dosage is typically prescribed for 6 months.
What’s the dosage of Dexilant for children?
Dexilant may be prescribed to children ages 12 years and older. Your child’s doctor will adjust the dosage based on the condition being treated and how your child responds to the drug.
Dosage for GERD in children
Dexilant is prescribed to relieve heartburn in children ages 12 years and older who have GERD. For this use, the usual Dexilant dosage is 30 mg once daily. It’s typically prescribed for 4 weeks.
Dosage for erosive esophagitis in children
The dosage for erosive esophagitis in children ages 12 years and older depends on whether the lining of the esophagus is currently inflamed and injured or has healed.
For children who have active erosive esophagitis with an inflamed and injured esophagus, the usual dosage of Dexilant is 60 mg once daily. This dosage is typically prescribed for up to 8 weeks.
Dexilant may be prescribed to relieve heartburn and protect the lining of the esophagus in children whose erosive esophagitis has healed. For this use, the usual dosage of Dexilant is 30 mg once daily. This dosage is typically prescribed for 16 weeks.
For more information about Dexilant’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Is Dexilant taken long term?
Some people need to take Dexilant long term. Your doctor will consider your condition and symptoms when recommending a length of treatment for you.
Long-term use of Dexilant may cause certain side effects, including an increased risk of broken bones, stomach polyps, and certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits of long-term treatment with Dexilant. If you do take Dexilant long term, your doctor will monitor you for these side effects.
If you have questions about how long you should take Dexilant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosage adjustments
Let your doctor know if you have liver disease. Depending on the condition of your liver and your reason for taking Dexilant, your doctor may decrease your dosage of Dexilant or suggest a different treatment for you.
The dosage of Dexilant you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
- your age
- other conditions you may have (see the “Dosage adjustments” section above)
Dexilant is available as a delayed-release oral capsule.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, you can open the Dexilant capsule and sprinkle the pellets onto a small amount of applesauce. Do not stir it. Without chewing, swallow the applesauce and pellet mixture. Drink a glass of water when you’re finished to make sure you swallow any pellets that may still be in your mouth. If you use this technique, swallow the pellets after they come in contact with the applesauce. Do not save it for later.
Alternatively, you can read this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Dexilant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the “Expiration” section of this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Dexilant in an easy-open container.
If you miss a dose of Dexilant, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Dexilant on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Dexilant than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose may include:
- high blood pressure
- bruising
- mouth and throat pain
- hot flashes
- weight loss
What to do in case you take too much Dexilant
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Dexilant. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Taking Dexilant long term may lead to physical dependence. This condition occurs when your body relies on a drug to function as usual.
Dexilant is a proton pump inhibitor. It decreases the amount of acid your stomach makes. When you stop taking Dexilant, it’s possible that you may experience a sudden increase in the amount of acid your stomach makes. An increase in stomach acid may cause symptoms such as heartburn, a sour taste in your mouth, hoarseness, and frequent coughing or throat clearing.
Most people take Dexilant for less than 6 months. But if you’ve been taking Dexilant for a long time and you and your doctor decide that it’s time to stop treatment, your doctor may recommend that you lower your dosage slowly over time.
If you have questions about the possibility of increased stomach acid after stopping Dexilant, talk with your doctor.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Dexilant’s dosage.
Should I take my dose of Dexilant in the morning or at night?
Dexilant is a delayed-release capsule that releases the drug into your body at two different times after you take it. The first release is 1–2 hours after you take it, and the second release is 4–5 hours after you take it.
Knowing this, your doctor may recommend that you take your dose in the morning so that Dexilant begins to work during the day. Or, if your heartburn is worse at night, they may recommend that you take Dexilant in the evening.
What’s most important, however, is that you try to take Dexilant consistently at the same time every day. So, the best time to take Dexilant is when you are most likely to remember to take your dose.
If you have questions about the best time of day to take Dexilant for your condition, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is there a twice-a-day dosage of Dexilant?
Dexilant is usually taken once per day. However, if you’re experiencing side effects, your doctor may suggest a different dosing schedule for you.
It’s important that you do not take Dexilant more often than your doctor has prescribed. Taking Dexilant more often than recommended can increase your risk of side effects and overdose. In fact, reports have been made of serious episodes of high blood pressure after taking 60 milligrams (mg) of Dexilant twice per day.
If you’re concerned that Dexilant isn’t working to treat your condition, talk with your doctor. It could be a sign that your symptoms are caused by a different condition than your doctor originally thought or that you would benefit from a different treatment.
Does stopping Dexilant cause rebound acid hypersecretion?
Dexilant is a proton pump inhibitor. It decreases the amount of acid your stomach makes. When you stop taking Dexilant, it’s possible that you may experience rebound acid hypersecretion. This is a sudden increase in the amount of acid your stomach makes.
An increase in stomach acid may cause symptoms such as heartburn, a sour taste in your mouth, hoarseness, and frequent coughing or throat clearing.
Most people take Dexilant for less than 6 months. But if you’ve been taking Dexilant for a long time and you and your doctor decide that it’s time to stop treatment, your doctor may recommend that you lower your dosage slowly over time.
If you have questions about the possibility of increased stomach acid after stopping Dexilant, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Dexilant for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Dexilant without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Dexilant exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will you adjust my Dexilant dosage if my symptoms change?
- Is it safe to take this dose of Dexilant for a long time?
- Should I continue to take Dexilant if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
- How will I know if Dexilant is working for me?
To learn more about Dexilant, see these articles:
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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 another 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.