Dexlansoprazole

Dexlansoprazole is used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus [tube between the throat and stomach]) in adults and children 12 years of age and older. It is also used to treat esophagitis (swelling that may damage tissues of the esophagus) in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Dexlansoprazole is used for the maintenance treatment of esophagitis and healing in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Dexlansoprazole is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Dexlansoprazole comes as a delayed-release (releases the medication in the intestine to allow some of the medication to be released about 1 hour after it is taken and some of the medication to be released 4 to 5 hours later) capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Dexlansoprazole may be taken with or without food. Take dexlansoprazole at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dexlansoprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the delayed-release capsules whole; do not chew or crush them. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you may open the capsule, sprinkle the contents on 1 tablespoon of applesauce, and swallow immediately without chewing. You can also open a capsule and pour the contents into 20 milliliters of water; using an oral syringe, draw up the entire amount, shake the syringe gently, and squirt the contents into your mouth immediately. Then draw an additional 10 mL of water into the syringe, shake gently, and squirt that water into your mouth.

The capsule contents can be given through a feeding tube. If you have a feeding tube, ask your doctor how you should take the medication. Follow these directions carefully.

Continue to take dexlansoprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dexlansoprazole without talking to your doctor. If your condition does not improve or gets worse, call your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

🔔 What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking dexlansoprazole,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dexlansoprazole, any other medications or any of the ingredients in dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor if you are taking rilpivirine (Edurant, in Cabenuva, Complera, Juluca, Odefsey). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take dexlansoprazole if you are taking this medication.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Jantoven), atazanavir (Reyataz, in Evotaz), dasatinib (Sprycel), digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics (‘water pills’), erlotinib (Tarceva), iron supplements, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, methotrexate (Trexall, Xatmep), mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept, Myfortic), nelfinavir (Viracept), nilotinib (Tasigna), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), saquinavir (Invirase), tacrolimus (Astagraf, Envarsus, Prograf), and voriconazole (Vfend). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.Your doctor may tell you not to take St. John’s wort while taking dexlansoprazole.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low level of magnesium, calcium, potassium, or sodium in your blood; hypoparathyroidism (condition in which the body does not produce enough parathyroid hormone [PTH; a natural substance needed to control the amount of calcium in the blood]); low levels of vitamin B12 in your body; osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily); an autoimmune disease (condition in which the body attacks its own organs, causing swelling and loss of function) such as systemic lupus erythematosus; or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking dexlansoprazole, call your doctor.
• talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking dexlansoprazole if you are 70 years of age or older. Do not take this medication for a longer period of time than recommended by your doctor.

🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.