Dexlansoprazole

1 medicine

Dexlansoprazole is a dual delayed-release proton pump inhibitor for acid reflux and erosive esophagitis; long-term use is linked to bone fracture, low magnesium and vitamin B12 deficiency, so it is used at the lowest effective dose.

Dexilant

Dexlansoprazole

30/60mg

Dexilant is a digestive health medication containing Dexlansoprazole, available as 30/60mg tablets.

from $0.94 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Dexlansoprazole (sold as Dexilant) is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production, treating heartburn, acid reflux (GERD) and erosive damage to the esophagus lining.
  • Its dual delayed-release design gives two separate release periods, so it can be taken once daily without regard to meal timing, unlike most other proton pump inhibitors.
  • Long-term use, typically beyond a year, is linked to a higher risk of bone fracture, low magnesium levels, vitamin B12 deficiency, and intestinal infections; it is used at the lowest dose and shortest duration that controls symptoms.
  • Seek urgent care for chest pain, black or bloody stools, or difficulty swallowing that is new or worsening.

What dexlansoprazole treats

Dexlansoprazole treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including healing and maintenance of erosive esophagitis, inflammation and erosion of the esophagus caused by long-term acid exposure, and relief of heartburn associated with GERD. It is not intended for occasional, mild heartburn that responds to antacids, and it does not treat Helicobacter pylori infection on its own.

How dexlansoprazole works

Cells lining the stomach push acid into it using a pump enzyme, the proton pump. Dexlansoprazole blocks this pump, so acid production stays low until the cell makes a new one. Its dual delayed-release granules dissolve at two different points in the gut, giving a longer window of acid suppression than older, single-release proton pump inhibitors.

Before you take it

  • Tell your prescriber if you have liver disease, low magnesium, or osteoporosis, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Dexlansoprazole can reduce absorption of drugs that need stomach acid, including some antifungal and HIV medicines, and can change levels of methotrexate and some anticoagulants; check any new medicine against your regimen.
  • Long-term acid suppression can hide the symptoms of stomach cancer. Unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or persistent vomiting need prompt medical assessment before starting a proton pump inhibitor, especially in older adults.

Side effects

Common effects include headache, diarrhea, nausea, gas or bloating, and stomach pain.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Severe or persistent diarrhea with fever, which can signal an intestinal infection.
  • Muscle spasms, tremors, or an irregular heartbeat, which can signal low magnesium.
  • Severe rash or facial swelling.
  • Black, tarry stools or vomiting blood.

Safety essentials

  • Long-term use is linked to bone fracture, low magnesium, vitamin B12 deficiency, and Clostridioides difficile intestinal infection; magnesium levels may be checked periodically during extended treatment.
  • Stopping dexlansoprazole abruptly after prolonged use can cause rebound acid hypersecretion, temporarily worsening reflux symptoms; some prescribers taper the dose down.
  • Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time that controls your symptoms, and review the need for continued treatment periodically with your prescriber.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.