7 mins read

Overview: Dexlansoprazole is used to treat heartburn, GERD, and erosive esophagitis caused by too much acid in the stomach. It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. Common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Call your health care provider or seek care right away if you are peeing less than usual or see blood in your urine, have diarrhea that does not go away, skin rash or blisters, or trouble breathing. Dexlansoprazole comes as a delayed-release oral capsule.

Uses

What is dexlansoprazole used for?

Dexlansoprazole is used to treat heartburn and certain other conditions caused by too much acid in the stomach.

Dexlansoprazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does dexlansoprazole work (mechanism of action)?

Dexlansoprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes.

How is dexlansoprazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Dexilant
  • Kapidex

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 30 mg delayed-release oral capsules
  • 60 mg delayed-release oral capsules

How should I store dexlansoprazole?

Dexlansoprazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of dexlansoprazole?

The most common side effects of dexlansoprazole are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Common cold symptoms
  • Vomiting
  • Gas
  • Headache (children ages 12 to 17 years)
  • Sore throat (children ages 12 to 17 years)

There may be other side effects of dexlansoprazole that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of dexlansoprazole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of dexlansoprazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Kidney problems. A type of kidney problem called acute tubulointerstitial nephritis can happen at any time during treatment with dexlansoprazole. If you notice a decrease in the amount of your urine or see blood in your urine, call your health care provider right away. 

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs calledClostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut during treatment with dexlansoprazole. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Severe Skin Reactions. Dexlansoprazole can cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, stop dexlansoprazole and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Severe Allergic Reaction called DRESS. Dexlansoprazole can cause a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop using the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Lupus. Some medicines, such as dexlansoprazole, can cause certain types of lupus or cause worsening of lupus you already have. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder where your immune cells attack other cells or organs in your body. Tell your provider right away if you have new or worsening joint pain or a rash on your arms or cheeks.

Low Vitamin B-12. Dexlansoprazole can cause you to absorb less vitamin B-12 than usual, which can cause low vitamin B-12 levels. You have a higher risk of this if you take dexlansoprazole for a long time (3 years or longer). Stop taking dexlansoprazole and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Sore tongue
  • Weakness 
  • Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet

Low Magnesium. Dexlansoprazole can cause low magnesium levels, also known as hypomagnesemia, which can be serious. Decreased magnesium levels can cause seizures or heart rhythm problems. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who take dexlansoprazole for a long time or those that take other medicines that can cause low magnesium. Stop taking dexlansoprazole and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as fast or skipping heartbeat
  • Dizziness 
  • Muscle spasms
  • Seizures 

Bone Loss or Fractures. Dexlansoprazole may cause bone loss and increase your risk for fractures. The risk is higher in older adults and people taking dexlansoprazole for a long time or taking a high dose.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use dexlansoprazole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use dexlansoprazole.

  • Dexlansoprazole
  • Dexilant
  • Kapidex
  • Any other medicine known as a proton pump inhibitors
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lansoprazole products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Dexlansoprazole should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking dexlansoprazole, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about dexlansoprazole before using it?

Do not take dexlansoprazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share dexlansoprazole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep dexlansoprazole out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush dexlansoprazole.

Dexlansoprazole may be taken with or without food.

If you are having a hard time swallowing the dexlansoprazole capsule, you may open them and sprinkle the contents on 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the applesauce right away. Don’t mix the contents with any other food.

If dexlansoprazole is given through a nasogastric (NG) tube, your health care provider will give you instructions on how to properly give it.

Dexlansoprazole should not be used for immediate relief of heartburn. It may take 1 to 4 days for the medicine to fully work.

People who are under 2 years of age can be at greater risk for some side effects from dexlansoprazole. Talk to your health care provider about the risks if your child is under 2 years of age. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using dexlansoprazole?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if dexlansoprazole is right for you.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Dexlansoprazole may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking dexlansoprazole, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how dexlansoprazole could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if dexlansoprazole passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take dexlansoprazole while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does dexlansoprazole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between dexlansoprazole and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect dexlansoprazole.

Does dexlansoprazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using dexlansoprazole.

  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others)
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • Warfarin, which is used as a blood thinner
  • Tacrolimus, which is typically used to prevent organ transplant rejection
  • Certain antiretroviral medicines, such as rilpivirine (Edurant), nelfinavir (Viracept), or saquinavir (Invirase), which are used for HIV or AIDS
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Rifampin (Rimactane and others), which is a medicine used for tuberculosis (TB)

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of dexlansoprazole, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Dexlansoprazole may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with dexlansoprazole. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much dexlansoprazole?

If you or someone else has used too much dexlansoprazole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of dexlansoprazole?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.