About Prescription Drug Dexilant

The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Dexilant.

Dexilant is a drug used to treat esophageal erosion from stomach acid and heartburn caused by acid reflux. Dexilant is a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pump inhibitors are potent inhibitors of stomach acid secretion that irreversibly bind to the proton pumps in the gastric lining. Dexilant is usually given for one month to treat heartburn. To treat esophageal erosion, Dexilant may be given for a longer period of time.

Dexilant is taken as directed by your doctor, with a glass of water, with or without food. Do not open or crush the Dexilant capsule. Dexilant is a delayed-release drug, and opening the capsule may cause all of the medication to be released at once. However, the contents of the entire capsule can be dissolved in a spoonful of applesauce if you have trouble swallowing the capsule.

Potential side effects of Dexilant include gas, nausea, stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold symptoms.

Use of Dexilant has been linked to increased bone fracturing in the wrist, spine, or hip. It isn't clear whether Dexilant is the actual cause of this problem. Increased risk of fracture usually occurs in people older than 50 or people who have to take a high dose of Dexilant for a long period of time. Patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia should discuss this with their doctor before taking Dexilant.

Heartburn and the symptoms of a heart attack are often confused. Seek immediate medical attention if you have chest pain, referred pain in the shoulders or arms, sweating, and nausea.

Before taking Dexilant, make sure your physician knows about all medications and supplements that you are taking. Certain medications, such as ampicillin, blood-thinners, digoxin, ketoconazole, atazanavir, clopidogrel, and iron supplements can interact with Dexilant and have adverse reactions.