Brand Name(s):

  • Dexilant®(formerly available as Kapidex®)

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Dexlansoprazole is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach). Dexlansoprazole is used to treat the symptoms of GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus. 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 (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Dexlansoprazole may be taken with or without food, but it may provide more relief from after-meal symptoms if it is taken before a meal. 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.

You should not chew or crush dexlansoprazole capsules. You can swallow the capsules whole, or you can open the capsule, sprinkle the contents on 1 tablespoon of applesauce, and swallow immediately without chewing.

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.

Are there 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 capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain antibiotics, including ampicillin (Principen), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), atazanavir (Reyataz), digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics ('water pills'); iron supplements, ketoconazole (Nizoral), and tacrolimus (Prograf). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low level of magnesium in your blood or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking dexlansoprazole, call your doctor.
  • if you are 50 years of age or older, ask your doctor if it is safe for you to take dexlansoprazole. The risk that you may develop a severe form of diarrhea caused by bacteria or that you may fracture your wrist, hip, or spine may be higher if you are an older adult.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

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

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Dexlansoprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • gas
  • nausea
  • vomiting

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately, or get emergency medical help:

  • rash
  • hives
  • itching
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat
  • excessive tiredness
  • dizziness
  • lightheadedness
  • muscle spasms
  • uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
  • seizures
  • watery stool
  • stomach pain
  • fever

Dexlansoprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

People who take proton pump inhibitors such as dexlansoprazole may be more likely to fracture their wrists, hips, or spine than people who do not take one of these medications. The risk is highest in people who take high doses of one of these medications or take them for one year or longer. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking dexlansoprazole.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at Web Site] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain laboratory tests before and during your treatment, especially if you have severe diarrhea..

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: June 15, 2012.