Dexlansoprazole
About
Dexlansoprazole comes into the category of antiulcer medications called proton pump inhibitors, primarily used to treat heartburn caused by stomach problems and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, erosive oesophagitis. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when gastric acid reaches the oesophagus and causes pain, heartburn, and inflammation. Heartburn is a condition in which a person feels the stomach's burning feeling from the stomach to the chest or neck. Erosive oesophagitis is a condition in which the oesophagus gets damaged by harmful acid resulting in inflammation, scarring and ulcers. The oesophagus is a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
Dexlansoprazole works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as gastric proton pump responsible for the production of acid. This reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach resulting in the healing of the ulcers and prevents the formation of new ulcers.
Take Dexlansoprazole as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Dexlansoprazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as headache, effects on your stomach or gut, diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation, gas (flatulence), feeling sick (nausea), or being sick (vomiting). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these undesirable effects persistently.
Inform your doctor before taking Dexlansoprazole if you have liver disease, osteoporosis, low bone mineral density (osteopenia), low levels of magnesium in your blood, and do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of the components present in this medicine. A person taking Dexlansoprazole may face a broken bone in your hip, wrist, or spine while taking Dexlansoprazole for a long duration, so a person should consult with their doctor to know the ways of keeping bones healthy. Ask your doctor before taking Dexlansoprazole if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, however, this medicine does not harm an unborn baby but can pass in breast milk. Dexlansoprazole may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so drive only if you are alert. Dexlansoprazole should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Dexlansoprazole as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate the production of stomach acid. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Dexlansoprazole
Medicinal Benefits
Dexlansoprazole belongs to a group of antiulcer medicines or proton pump inhibitors. Dexlansoprazole is used to treat heartburn caused by erosive esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Treating these diseases provides relief in symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, heartburn, and persistent cough. Dexlansoprazole works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as gastric proton pump responsible for the production of acid. This reduces the amount of acid produced, heals the ulcers and prevents the formation of new ulcers.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dexlansoprazole
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Common cold
- Vomiting
- Gas
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
A person dealing with any type of disease including severe liver disease, osteoporosis, low bone mineral density (osteopenia), low levels of magnesium in your blood should consult with a doctor before taking Dexlansoprazole. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components present in Dexlansoprazole as it may cause unwanted side effects in the body. On long-term treatment, Dexlansoprazole may cause low magnesium levels, vitamin B12 levels, and increase the risk of bone fractures, the doctor may advise regular tests for monitoring your condition. Do not take Dexlansoprazole if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Dexlansoprazole may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so drive only if you are alert. Dexlansoprazole should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol and Dexlansoprazole as it could lead to increased drowsiness and elevate stomach acid production. Prolonged intake of Dexlansoprazole is linked with a greater risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, so if you develop diarrhoea that does not improve, immediately consult a doctor. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Dexlansoprazole may have interaction with a pain killer (aspirin, naproxen), anti-depressant (duloxetine, amitriptyline), blood thinner (clopidogrel), a drug used to treat hypothyroidism (levothyroxine), anti-HIV (atazanavir), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole), anti-cancer (methotrexate), vitamin (cyanocobalamin), and Medicines to help you to sleep or feel more relaxed (such as diazepam or zolpidem).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Dexlansoprazole may have interactions with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, bone fractures, severe liver disease, low bone mineral density (osteopenia), low levels of magnesium in your blood.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Dexlansoprazole. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedDexlansoprazole is safe for a woman who is pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before taking Dexlansoprazole.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDo not take Dexlansoprazole if you are breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Driving
unsafeDexlansoprazole may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDexlansoprazole to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionDexlansoprazole to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor. Consult a doctor if you are urinating less than usual, or if you have blood in your urine.
Children
unsafeDexlansoprazole should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- Avoid lying down after eating to prevent acid reflux. Practice relaxation techniques and avoid stress by doing yoga or meditation.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes as it might increase the pressure on the abdomen leading to acid reflux.
- Avoid foods such as high-fat food, spicy food, chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, onion, garlic, tea and soda.
- Avoid sitting continuously as it may trigger acidity. Take a break of 5minutes every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
Special Advise
- Inform your doctor before taking Dexlansoprazole if you are due to have Chromogranin A blood test.
- Dexlansoprazole may cause abnormal blood and liver enzyme values. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Dexlansoprazole.
- Regular consultation with your doctor to examine good bone mineral density.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acidity: The stomach is usually protected from the acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets eroded, which leads to complications like acidity, GERD, heartburn, peptic ulcer and corrosive esophagitis.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): It is a condition that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn. Factors that can contribute to GERD include chocolate, foods containing caffeine, foods such as spicy foods, fried foods, pregnancy or obesity, lying down after a meal, drinking alcohol or smoking.
Corrosive Esophagitis: This is a condition that happens when harmful substances damage the oesophagus. The oesophagus is a pipe that connects the mouth to the stomach. The damage may cause ulcers, inflammation or scarring. Possible causes include swallowing strong chemicals such as dishwashing liquid, detergents and drain cleaners, radiation therapy and certain pills, including pain medicines and drugs for osteoporosis (weak bones).
FAQs
Dexlansoprazole works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as gastric proton pump responsible for acid production. This reduces the amount of acid produced, heals the ulcers, and prevents new ulcers.
Avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol while taking Dexlansoprazole as it may lead to increased dizziness. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
Diarrhea might be a side-effect of Dexlansoprazole. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fiber. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience excess diarrhea consult your doctor. Prolonged intake of Dexlansoprazole is linked with a greater risk of diarrhea, so if you develop diarrhea that does not improve, immediately consult a doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you do not feel better even after taking Dexlansoprazole for 14 days. Do not take Dexlansoprazole for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. If Dexlansoprazole is prescribed for longer durations, a regular check-up is advised.
Dexlansoprazole may cause dizziness and sleepiness. So, drive only if you are alert and omit driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or sleepy.
Do not discontinue Dexlansoprazole without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually continue taking Dexlansoprazole for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Dexlansoprazole.
On long term treatment, Dexlansoprazole might increase the risk of fractures. Inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis or if you are taking corticosteroids.
Dexlansoprazole may cause or worsen the symptoms of lupus so consult with your doctor if you are noticing joint pain and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that get worsen in sunlight.
A person dealing with any type of disease including severe liver disease, osteoporosis, low bone mineral density (osteopenia), low levels of magnesium in your blood should consult with a doctor before taking Dexlansoprazole.
A person younger than 12 years is not allowed to take Dexlansoprazole.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Dexlansoprazole. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
