Indications
- Dexlansoprazole treats stomach and esophagus issues like acid reflux.
- Decreases stomach acid production.
- Relieves symptoms: heartburn, difficulty swallowing, cough.
- Helps heal acid damage and prevent ulcers.
- May help prevent esophageal cancer.
- Belongs to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) class.
- Not recommended for children under 2 due to increased risk of serious side effects.
Dosage and administration
- Read Medication Guide and Patient Information Leaflet before starting medication and with each refill.
- Take by mouth with or without food as directed by doctor, usually once daily.
- If symptoms occur after meals, may take before same meal for best results.
- Dosage and duration based on medical condition and response.
- Swallow whole; do not crush or chew capsules.
- If difficulty swallowing, can open capsule and sprinkle contents onto applesauce, then swallow immediately.
- Do not prepare mixture in advance.
- If using liquid medication device or tube, ask healthcare professional for proper instructions.
- Antacids may be taken if needed; if also taking sucralfate, take dexlansoprazole at least 30 minutes before.
- Take regularly at same time each day for maximum benefit.
- Continue treatment for prescribed duration even if feeling better.
- Inform doctor if condition persists or worsens; side effects risk increases over time.
- Consult doctor about duration of treatment.
Side effects
- Diarrhea may occur; inform doctor/pharmacist if persists or worsens.
- Medication prescribed considering benefits outweigh risks; many users don’t experience serious side effects.
- Notify doctor immediately of serious side effects like low magnesium blood level symptoms or signs of lupus.
- Rarely, may cause severe intestinal condition due to C. difficile bacteria; seek medical attention for persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood/mucus in stool.
- Avoid anti-diarrhea or opioid products if experiencing symptoms.
- Long-term daily use may rarely cause vitamin B-12 deficiency; inform doctor of symptoms like weakness, sore tongue, or numbness/tingling.
- Seek immediate medical help for symptoms of serious allergic reaction.
- Not a complete list of possible side effects; contact doctor/pharmacist for other effects.
Precautions
- Inform doctor/pharmacist of allergies to dexlansoprazole or similar drugs, or any other allergies.
- Discuss medical history, especially liver disease and lupus, with doctor/pharmacist.
- Certain symptoms may indicate a serious condition; seek immediate medical help for heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain with shortness of breath or unusual sweating, or unexplained weight loss.
- Inform surgeon/dentist of all medications used before surgery, including prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like dexlansoprazole may increase fracture risk, especially with longer use, higher doses, and in older adults; discuss prevention methods with doctor/pharmacist, such as calcium and vitamin D supplements.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, including bone loss/fractures and C. difficile infection.
- Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed; discuss risks and benefits with doctor.
- Consult doctor before breastfeeding; it’s unknown if the drug passes into breast milk, but similar drugs do, and their effects on nursing infants are unknown.