Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) Uses

What is Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) used for?

Dexilant (generic dexlansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is used to treat non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, erosive esophagitis, and heartburn in patients 12 years of age and older. Histamine 2 (H2) receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are the first-line treatments for GERD. Dexlansoprazole is a new generation PPI with high efficacy in treating symptoms and lesions from erosive esophagitis secondary to GERD. Takeda pharmaceuticals was granted FDA approval in January 2009 for Dexilant delayed-release capsule under the name Kapidex. The trade name was later changed to Dexilant, which is the name that appears in labelling after March 2010. Overall, dexlansoprazole has a good safety profile and carries a low risk of negative interactions with other drugs. Patients with nighttime symptoms and sleeping disorders, resulting from gastroesophageal reflux disease will benefit from this medication.

How does Dexlansoprazole drug work?

Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the activity of the enzyme hydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphate (H/K ATPase) also known as the proton pump. These proton pumps work as a transporter and are found in the parietal cells—the cells that line the stomach. They are involved in the secretion of hydrochloric acid. PPIs inhibit H/K ATPase from producing too much acid, preventing the formation of ulcers and facilitating the healing process. Decreased acid in the stomach also relieves heartburn symptoms.

How to take Dexilant

Dexilant is available in 30mg and 60mg delayed-release capsule. A new formulation of dexlansoprazole is also available as Dexilant SoluTab in 30mg delayed-release orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), approved in early 2016 for adult patients requiring:

• Maintenance treatment for healing of EE and heartburn relief
• Treatment of heartburn caused by symptomatic GERD

Dexilant capsules can be taken with or without food, but it depends on the condition being treated. Your doctor will advise you on when to take your medication for best results. Do not take a lower dose or double dose without consulting your doctor. Delayed release capsules must be swallowed whole. Do not chew, break, or open the capsule.

Indication and Recommended Dosage for Dexilant in Patients 12 years of age and older

Things to know before taking Dexilant

Safety and efficacy

Dexlansoprazole is as effective as omeprazole in eliminating symptoms and healing of erosions in GERD, but it is much more effective in relieving symptoms in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). In another study spanning four weeks, dexlansoprazole 30mg provided significantly higher percentage (54.9%) of days without heartburn for 24 hours, and 80.8% nights without heartburn. In the same study, the 60mg dose did not provide any additional benefit over the 30mg dose.

According to two randomized active controlled studies, 92.3 to 93.1% of 4,092 patients with erosive esophagitis had their lesion healed after eight weeks of treatment with dexlansoprazole 60mg. The same clinical sample was used to investigate the effects of dexlansoprazole at 90mg dose, but no additional benefits had been confirmed.

Warnings and contraindications

• Do not take Dexilant if you are allergic to any components of the formulation.
• Taking dexlansoprazole for longer than medically indicated may increase your risk of having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).
• Common adverse reactions associated with Dexilant include: diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting, and flatulence.
• You may experience symptoms of low magnesium while taking dexlansoprazole. Seek medical help if you experience dizziness, confusion, abnormal heartbeat, shaking, jerking muscle movements, muscle spasms in the hands and feet, cough, and feeling of being choked.

Drug interactions

This is not a complete list of drugs that may interact with Dexilant. Check the manufacturer’s website or the drug’s package leaflet for more information about drug interactions. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• Diuretics;
• Digoxin;
• St. John’s wort supplement;
• Rifampin;
• Warfarin;
• Voriconazole;
• Anti-HIV/AIDS medications (atazanavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir).