Dexlansoprazole: MedlinePlus Drug Information

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Dexlansoprazole

(dex'' lan soe' pra zole)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Dexlansoprazole is used to treat heartburn in people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes symptoms such as heartburn, burping, and sour taste). Dexlansoprazole is also used to treat erosive esophagitis [swelling and wearing away of the lining of the esophagus (tube that brings food from the mouth to the stomach) caused by backward flow of acid] and to prevent erosive esophagitis from coming back in people who have already been treated for this condition. 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? Return to top

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 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 one tablespoon of applesauce, and swallow immediately.

Continue to take dexlansoprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dexlansoprazole without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine Return to top

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

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking dexlansoprazole,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dexlansoprazole, or any other medications.
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: ampicillin (Principen), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), atazanavir (Reyataz), clopidogrel (Plavix), digoxin (Lanoxin), iron supplements, and ketoconazole (Nizoral). 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 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.

What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top

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

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

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 medication cause? Return to top

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

diarrhea
stomach pain
gas
nausea
vomiting

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

rash
hives
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing

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

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 http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

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.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

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? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

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.

Brand names Return to top

Kapidex®

Last Revised - 09/01/2009

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

AHFS^® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2009. 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.