Dexlansoprazole
Indications
Dexlansoprazole reduces stomach acid. It is used to heal erosive oesophagitis (damage to the lining of the food pipe caused by acid), to keep it healed and relieve heartburn afterwards, and to treat heartburn from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) without damage to the food pipe.
How It Works
It is a proton pump inhibitor: it blocks the pumps in the stomach lining that release acid. Its dual delayed-release capsule releases the medicine in two stages, so acid stays controlled for longer during the day.
Dosage and Administration
Adults: healing erosive oesophagitis, usually 60 mg once a day for up to 8 weeks; keeping it healed, 30 mg once a day; heartburn from GERD, 30 mg once a day for 4 weeks. Or as prescribed. Take with or without food and swallow the capsule whole. If swallowing is difficult, the capsule can be opened and the granules sprinkled on a spoonful of apple sauce and swallowed straight away without chewing. Not for children unless a specialist prescribes it.
Interactions
Do not take with Rilpivirine. It can reduce the absorption of Atazanavir, Nelfinavir, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, iron salts and Mycophenolate, and can raise the levels of Methotrexate (at high doses), Tacrolimus and Digoxin. It may change the effect of Warfarin, so blood tests may be needed. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.
Contraindications
Allergy to dexlansoprazole, lansoprazole or other proton pump inhibitors, and use together with Rilpivirine-containing medicines.
Side Effects
Common: diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, wind and headache. Long-term use can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels and slightly increase the risk of bone fractures. Get urgent medical help for: severe or watery diarrhoea that does not stop, vomiting blood or black stools, difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss, muscle cramps, shaking or an irregular heartbeat (low magnesium), passing much less urine (kidney problems), joint pain with a rash on sun-exposed skin, or a serious allergic or blistering skin reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is limited information on use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use only if a doctor decides it is needed.
Precautions and Warnings
Use the lowest dose for the shortest time that controls symptoms. People with moderate liver disease may need a lower dose; it is not recommended in severe liver disease. See a doctor before starting if you have warning signs such as weight loss, trouble swallowing, vomiting blood or black stools, as these need checking first. Tell the doctor you take it before any stomach tests.
Overdose
No serious effects are expected from a single extra dose. If a large amount has been taken, seek medical advice.
Therapeutic Class
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Dexlansoprazole