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Dexlansoprazole

Pronounced

"DEX-lan-SOE-pra-zole"

Common brand names:

Dexilant

Uses

Dexlansoprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. This medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Dexlansoprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Dexlansoprazole is not recommended for use in children younger than 2 years due to an increased risk of serious side effects. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for stomach ulcers.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking dexlansoprazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If your symptoms usually occur after a meal, your doctor may direct you to take your dose every day before the same meal for best results. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Do not crush or chew the capsules. Swallow this medication whole. If you have trouble swallowing this medication whole, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of applesauce. Swallow all of the drug/food mixture right away without chewing it. Do not prepare the mixture ahead of time for later use. Doing so may destroy the drug.

If you are giving this drug with a liquid medication measuring device/syringe, or through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric or gastric tube), ask your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to properly mix and give it.

If needed, antacids may be taken along with this medication. If you are also taking sucralfate, take dexlansoprazole at least 30 minutes before sucralfate.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Continue to take this medication for the prescribed length of treatment even if you are feeling better.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. The risk of side effects goes up over time. Ask your doctor how long you should take this medication.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.