What is Dexilant: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 12, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Dexilant overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Dexilant

Generic Names:

  • Dexilant

Uses:

  • Treats heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or a damaged esophagus. This medicine is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). On October 17, 2017, Dexilant Solutab® (delayed-release disintegrating tablets) was withdrawn from the US market. Dexilant® and Kapidex® (delayed-release capsules) are still available.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Gastric Acid Secretion Inhibitor

Forms:

  • Tablet Disintegrating, Delayed Release, Delayed Release Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Dexilant used for?

Dexilant is used to treat acid reflux and stomach problems. Dexilant belongs to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Dexilant is a brand version of the drug dexlansoprazole, and it is marketed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. The drug was approved by the US FDA in 2009. In the treatment of some esophagus (“food pipe”) and stomach problems, Dexilant use is common.

What form(s) does Dexilant come in

  • Tablet Disintegrating, Delayed Release

  • Delayed Release Capsule

What are common Dexilant doses?

  • Capsule Delayed Release 30MG

  • Capsule Delayed Release 60MG

Common Dexilant prescriptions

  • Dexilant
    30 capsules delayed release bottle

  • Dexilant
    30mg capsule delayed release

  • Dexilant
    60mg capsule delayed release

How to take Dexilant

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Take this medicine as directed. You may need to take it for several weeks before you feel better.

  • Delayed-release capsule: Swallow it whole. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and pour the medicine into a tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not store the mixed medicine for later use.If a capsule is given through an oral syringe: Open the capsule and mix the contents with 20 milliliters (mL) of water.Use an oral syringe to draw up all of the mixture and swirl gently.Give the mixture right away. Do not chew.Refill the syringe with 10 mL of water. Swirl gently. Swallow the water.Refill the syringe with another 10 mL of water and swallow it right away. This will make sure you get your whole dose.If a capsule is given through a feeding tube: Open the capsule and combine the medicine with 20 milliliters (mL) of water.Use a catheter-tip syringe to draw up the mixture and swirl gently.Inject the medicine into the feeding tube right away.Refill the syringe with 10 mL of water. Swirl it gently. Inject the water into the tube.Refill with another 10 mL of water and inject this into the tube. This will make sure the full dose is given.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take this medicine as directed. You may need to take it for several weeks before you feel better.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Delayed-release capsule: Swallow it whole. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and pour the medicine into a tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not store the mixed medicine for later use.If a capsule is given through an oral syringe: Open the capsule and mix the contents with 20 milliliters (mL) of water.Use an oral syringe to draw up all of the mixture and swirl gently.Give the mixture right away. Do not chew.Refill the syringe with 10 mL of water. Swirl gently. Swallow the water.Refill the syringe with another 10 mL of water and swallow it right away. This will make sure you get your whole dose.If a capsule is given through a feeding tube: Open the capsule and combine the medicine with 20 milliliters (mL) of water.Use a catheter-tip syringe to draw up the mixture and swirl gently.Inject the medicine into the feeding tube right away.Refill the syringe with 10 mL of water. Swirl it gently. Inject the water into the tube.Refill with another 10 mL of water and inject this into the tube. This will make sure the full dose is given.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Dexilant contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dexlansoprazole.

Dexilant warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, or osteoporosis.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Kidney problemsIncreased risk of broken bones in the hip, wrist, or spine (more likely if used several times per day or longer than 1 year)LupusFundic gland polyps (abnormal growth in the upper part of your stomach)

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Dexilant interactions

  • Do not use this medicine if you are also using products containing rilpivirine.

  • Dexlansoprazole affects digestion and may keep other medicines from working correctly. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Ampicillin, atazanavir, dasatinib, digoxin, erlotinib, itraconazole, ketoconazole, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, nelfinavir, nilotinib, rifampin, ritonavir, saquinavir, St John's wort, tacrolimus, voriconazoleBlood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Iron supplements

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Dexilant side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Seizures, dizziness, fast or uneven heartbeat, muscle cramps or twitching

  • Joint pain, rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Severe diarrhea that does not go away, stomach cramps

  • Fever, swelling in your body, unusual weight gain, changes in how much or how often you urinate

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash