Dexilant

Generic Name:

• Dexlansoprazole

Brand Name:

• Dexilant (U.S.)
• Kapidex

This medication is available by prescription and over-the-counter strengths.

Why is Dexilant prescribed?

Dexilant is in a class of medications called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), and is a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule, usually taken once a day. Dexilant is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid back flows (refluxes) into the esophagus, causing heartburn and possible injury to the esophagus. Dexilant is also used to treat erosive esophagitis, a condition in which inflammation, swelling, or irritation of the esophagus occurs. Dexilant can also be used to prevent erosive esophagitis from returning in patients who have been treated for this condition.

Special precautions to follow when taking Dexilant

Before taking Dexilant, you should:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dexlansoprazole, one of the other Proton Pump Inhibitors (Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, Aciphex), or any other medications

Tell your doctor if you have been diagnosed with liver disease, either as a present or past condition

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Dexilant, call your doctor

If you feel you also need an antacid, ask your doctor to recommend one and to tell you when and how to take it

What to do if you forget a dose of Dexilant

Consult your physician before taking a missed dose. Your doctor will be able to determine if it is safe to do so, or if you should wait until your next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects Dexilant may cause

Diarrhea

Gas

Stomach pains

Nausea

Vomiting

The following symptoms are more serious. If you experience any of these, you should call your doctor immediately.

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Skin rash
• Hives
• Itching

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Other Proton Pump Inhibitors

All PPIs, including Dexilant, can and are, used interchangeably. They may differ in price, insurance coverage and appearance and have different FDA approval indications, but there are minimal differences in how the drugs work.

• Aciphex
  Aciphex is often prescribed to treat peptic and esophageal ulcers, GERD, and erosive esophagitis.
• Nexium
  Nexium is commonly used to treat peptic ulcers, GERD, erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
• Prevacid
  Prevacid is usually prescribed to treat and prevent peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
• Prilosec
  Prilosec is most often used to treat peptic ulcers, GERD, and erosive esophagitis.
• Protonix
  Protonix is commonly prescribed to treat damage to the erosive esophagitis and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.

_Sources:

_{"Kapidex." U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Web. 24 Sep 2009. <http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.DrugDetails>}