What Is Dexilant Used For?

Generic Name: Dexlansoprazole

Brand Name: Dexilant

Dexilant is a medication used to decrease the amount of acid the stomach produces. It helps ease symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, heartburn, and irritating cough. Dexlansoprazole belongs to a drug class called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which help heal acid damage to the esophagus and stomach. It helps prevent ulcers and may also prevent esophageal cancer. 

Before Use

Before taking Dexilant, inform the doctor if you have any of the following:

• Allergy to dexlansoprazole or to any other ingredients of Dexilant
• Allergy to any drugs similar to Dexilant, certain substances, or foods 
• Signs of allergy, such as swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat, itching, hives, wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing
• Liver disease
• Bone fracture
• Hypomagnesemia
• Cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Acute interstitial nephritis
• Taking St. John's wort or rifampin
• Taking certain medications, such as atazanavir, rilpivirine, or nelfinavir
• Breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning for pregnancy

Important Notes While Taking Dexilant

• Speak with your doctor if you have risks for osteoporosis (weak, fragile, and brittle bones). Some of the risk factors include a family history of osteoporosis, taking steroids, taking anti-epileptic drugs, smoking, and drinking alcohol. 
• Inform health care providers including laboratory professionals that you are taking Dexilant (dexlansoprazole capsules) since it may affect certain laboratory tests. 
• Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs of a severe health problem. They include chest pain, abdominal pain, swallowing difficulty, throat pain, hematemesis (vomiting blood), coffee ground vomitus (vomit that looks like coffee grounds), or signs of bleeding ulcers such as passing black or bloody stools. 
• Follow your doctor's instructions when taking vitamin D or calcium. 
• Speak with your doctor if you are older than 50 years old and taking Dexilant (dexlansoprazole capsules) for a long time or in high doses since this medication tends to increase the risk of spine, hip, and wrist fractures in people with osteoporosis. 
• Speak with your doctor if you are taking water pills or other medications such as digoxin if you will be taking Dexilant (dexlansoprazole capsules) for a long period of time. 
• Let your doctor know if you want to switch to other forms of Dexilant. 
• Inform your doctor if you have lupus. People with lupus tend to get worse if they take Dexilant. Call your doctor if you notice signs of lupus, such as a characteristic lupus-like rash on the cheeks and other parts of the body, joint and muscle pain, tendency to sunburn easily, chest pain, swelling in the arms or legs, or shortness of breath. 
• Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning for a pregnancy. 

Capsules

Dexilant is available in the form of capsules in the strength of 30 mg and 60 mg. The 30 mg capsule is opaque and comes in gray or blue color with TAP and 30 imprints on it. It is known to contain 30 mg of dexlansoprazole. The 60 mg capsule is also opaque and colored blue with TAP and 60 imprints. It is said to contain 60 mg of dexlansoprazole.

Other nonmedicinal ingredients of this capsule are magnesium carbonate, colloidal silicon dioxide, polyethylene glycol 8000, sugar spheres, hypromellose 2910, sucrose, triethyl citrate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and titanium dioxide. The capsule shell contains, FD&C Blue No 2 Aluminium Lake, potassium chloride, carrageenan, hypromellose, and titanium dioxide.

Dosage and Usage

When it comes to the treatment of erosive esophagitis, then the usual dose of Dexilant is 60 mg to be taken only once a day for a period of eight weeks. For further maintenance and healing of erosive esophagitis, the 30 mg dose of Dexilant is taken once a day for a period of six months. The usual dosage of Dexilant in heartburn cases that are associated with GERD is 30 mg, which is taken once a day for a period of four weeks. 

This medication must be taken by mouth with or without food once a day. For best results, your doctor may also recommend taking this medication before meals if you experience symptoms after a meal. The length of treatment and dosage usually depends on your condition and treatment response. 

Swallow the capsules whole and avoid crushing or chewing them. However, if you find it hard to swallow the capsule, you may open it and sprinkle its contents onto 15 mL or one tablespoon of applesauce. This mixture must be swallowed right away without chewing. Advance preparation of this mixture for later use is discouraged since it may destroy the drug. 

Seek detailed instructions from your healthcare professional if you are administering this medication using a liquid measuring device, syringe, or through a nasogastric or gastric tube. Antacids may also be taken along with Dexilant if needed. For people taking sucralfate, take Dexilant for at least 30 minutes before sucralfate. 

Side Effects

One of the frequent side effects of Dexilant is diarrhea. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if your diarrhea persists or worsens. Most people using this medicine do not have any serious side effects. 

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Hypomagnesemia or low level of magnesium in the blood - Irregular heartbeat (fast, slow, or skipping), seizures, and persistent muscle spasms. 

• Signs and symptoms of lupus - A worsening or new joint pain and rash on the face, nose, and cheeks. 

Dexilant rarely causes Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Antidiarrheals and narcotic pain relievers must not be used to avoid worsening the symptoms. Inform your doctor immediately if you continue to experience:

• Stomach cramping or pain
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Passing mucus or blood in the stool

It is rare for proton pump inhibitors, such as dexlansoprazole to cause a vitamin B12 deficiency. However, the risk tends to increase if these medications are taken for a long period of time, such as three years or longer. Inform your doctor if you experience the following symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Glossitis (tongue inflammation)
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet 

Serious allergic reactions to this drug are also rare. However, seek medical help at once if you notice any of the following serious allergic reactions:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• Dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Kidney problems (a change in the urine output)