Dexlansoprazole 30mg DR Capsules
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow these steps:
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Read all the information provided with your medication and follow the instructions carefully.
You can take your medication with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole - do not chew or crush it.
If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, you can sprinkle the contents onto applesauce. If you do this, swallow the mixture immediately without chewing.
If you have a feeding tube, you can use your medication as directed by your healthcare provider. After administering the medication through the feeding tube, flush the tube with water.
Continuing Your Medication
Continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start to feel better.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To keep your medication safe and effective:
Store it at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom.
Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
* Dispose of any unused or expired medication. Do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best way to dispose of your medication, or look into drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily.
- Capsules can be taken with or without food.
- Swallow capsules whole. Do not chew or crush. If you have trouble swallowing, the capsule can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a tablespoon of applesauce and swallowed immediately.
- Avoid lying down for at least 3 hours after eating.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoid trigger foods that worsen your symptoms (e.g., spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, citrus, chocolate, peppermint).
- Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Allergic Reaction: Rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Mood changes, confusion, muscle pain, cramps, or spasms, weakness, shakiness, balance problems, abnormal heartbeat, seizures, loss of appetite, or severe nausea and vomiting.
Kidney Problems: Inability to urinate, changes in urine output, blood in the urine, or sudden weight gain.
Dizziness or Fainting
Rapid Heartbeat
Bone Pain
Lupus: If you have lupus, inform your doctor. Be aware of symptoms like a rash on the cheeks or other body parts, skin color changes, easy sunburn, muscle or joint pain, chest pain or shortness of breath, or swelling in the arms or legs.
C. diff-associated Diarrhea (CDAD): Severe diarrhea can occur. If you experience stomach pain, cramps, very loose or watery stools, or bloody stools, contact your doctor immediately. Do not attempt to treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.
Severe Skin Reactions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious reactions can occur, potentially affecting internal organs. Seek medical help immediately if you notice red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin; fever; chills; body aches; shortness of breath; or swollen glands.
Other Possible Side Effects
Most people do not experience severe side effects, but some may occur. If you notice any of the following symptoms or if they persist or bother you, contact your doctor:
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Common cold symptoms
Gas
Headache
* Nose or throat irritation
This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. If you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Persistent or severe diarrhea (especially watery or bloody stools, fever)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Black, tarry stools or vomiting blood (signs of bleeding in the stomach/esophagus)
- New or worsening heartburn after starting medication
- Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing)
- Signs of low magnesium (fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, tremors, seizures, irregular heartbeat)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including the symptoms that occurred.
If you have liver disease, as this may affect the way your body processes the medication.
If you are currently taking any of the following medications:
+ Atazanavir
+ Methotrexate
+ Nelfinavir
+ Rilpivirine
+ Warfarin
If you are taking either of the following medications:
+ Rifampin
+ St. John's wort
If the patient is a child under 12 years of age, as this medication is not approved for use in this age group. Additionally, do not administer this medication to children under 2 years of age.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, including:
Prescription medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
* Vitamins
Additionally, share any health problems you have, as this information will help your doctor determine whether it is safe for you to take this medication. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.
Precautions & Cautions
If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately: throat pain, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or signs of a bleeding ulcer, such as black, tarry, or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or coffee ground-like vomit. These symptoms may indicate a more serious health issue.
Do not take this medication for a longer period than prescribed by your doctor. Prolonged use can increase the risk of fractures in the hip, spine, and wrist, particularly in individuals with osteoporosis (weak bones). This risk may be higher if you take high doses of this medication, use it for more than a year, or are over 50 years old.
If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as a history of alcohol consumption, smoking, steroid use, seizure medication, or a family history of osteoporosis, exercise caution and discuss your risks with your doctor.
Long-term use of this medication (typically more than three months) may lead to rare but potentially serious side effects. For instance, it may cause low magnesium levels, which can occur after one year of treatment and may lead to other electrolyte problems. Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your magnesium levels.
Additionally, long-term treatment with this medication (usually more than three years) may cause low vitamin B-12 levels. Be aware of the signs of low vitamin B-12 levels, which include shortness of breath, dizziness, abnormal heartbeat, muscle weakness, pale skin, fatigue, mood changes, or numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor promptly.
Taking this medication for more than a year may increase the risk of developing stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
This medication may harm an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect you are pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as you will need to discuss any potential risks to your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
What to Do:
In case of suspected overdose, contact a poison control center immediately. Call 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is generally supportive and symptomatic.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Rilpivirine (due to significant reduction in rilpivirine exposure)
Major Interactions
- Clopidogrel (reduced antiplatelet effect)
- Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels, potential toxicity)
- Atazanavir (reduced atazanavir exposure)
- Nelfinavir (reduced nelfinavir exposure)
- Erlotinib (reduced erlotinib exposure)
- Dasatinib (reduced dasatinib exposure)
- Nilotinib (reduced nilotinib exposure)
- Mycophenolate mofetil (reduced mycophenolic acid exposure)
Moderate Interactions
- Digoxin (increased digoxin absorption)
- Iron salts (reduced iron absorption)
- Ketoconazole (reduced ketoconazole absorption)
- Itraconazole (reduced itraconazole absorption)
- Tacrolimus (increased tacrolimus levels)
- Warfarin (potential for increased INR/bleeding, monitor closely)
- CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine, voriconazole - may increase dexlansoprazole exposure)
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John's Wort - may decrease dexlansoprazole exposure)
Minor Interactions
- Sucralfate (may delay absorption of dexlansoprazole, administer at least 30 minutes apart)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline severity and guide treatment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically, as clinically indicated
Target: Resolution or significant improvement of GERD/EE symptoms
Action Threshold: Persistent or worsening symptoms may require dose adjustment, alternative therapy, or further diagnostic workup.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with long-term use (>3 months) or concomitant diuretics/digoxin
Target: Normal range (e.g., 1.7-2.2 mg/dL)
Action Threshold: If hypomagnesemia occurs, consider magnesium supplementation or discontinuation of PPI.
Frequency: Consider for patients at risk for osteoporosis with long-term (>1 year) high-dose therapy
Target: Maintain healthy BMD
Action Threshold: Significant bone loss may warrant re-evaluation of PPI therapy or calcium/vitamin D supplementation.
Frequency: Consider for patients on long-term (>2-3 years) therapy, especially those with risk factors for deficiency
Target: Normal range
Action Threshold: If deficiency occurs, consider B12 supplementation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Persistent or worsening heartburn/acid reflux
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Black, tarry stools (melena) or vomiting blood (hematemesis)
- New or worsening abdominal pain
- Persistent diarrhea (especially watery diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps - C. difficile infection)
- Signs of hypomagnesemia (fatigue, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, irregular heart beat)
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Dexlansoprazole is Pregnancy Category B. Animal studies have not shown harm to the fetus. Limited human data suggest low risk, but use only if clearly needed.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Lactation Risk L3 (Moderately Safe). It is unknown if dexlansoprazole is excreted in human milk. Animal studies show excretion in milk. Use with caution, weighing potential benefits to mother against potential risks to infant.
Pediatric Use
Approved for children aged 1 to 17 years for specific indications (EE healing, maintenance of EE healing, non-erosive GERD). Dosing is weight-based for younger children with EE. Safety and effectiveness not established in children younger than 1 year.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients. However, elderly patients may have reduced hepatic function or concomitant diseases, increasing the risk of adverse effects (e.g., C. difficile infection, bone fractures, hypomagnesemia). Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Dexlansoprazole's unique dual delayed-release formulation allows for flexible dosing, as it can be taken with or without food, and at any time of day, unlike some other PPIs.
- The dual release mechanism may provide more consistent acid suppression over 24 hours compared to single-release PPIs.
- Less susceptible to variability due to CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms compared to other PPIs, which can be beneficial for patients who are poor metabolizers of CYP2C19.
- For patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules, the capsule can be opened and the granules sprinkled on applesauce, which should be swallowed immediately without chewing.
- Long-term PPI use (especially >1 year) has been associated with an increased risk of bone fractures, C. difficile infection, and hypomagnesemia. Periodically re-evaluate the need for continued therapy.
Alternative Therapies
- Other Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole
- H2 Receptor Blockers (H2RAs): Famotidine, Cimetidine, Nizatidine
- Antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide)
- Prokinetics (e.g., metoclopramide - for specific motility issues)
- Surgery (e.g., Nissen fundoplication for severe GERD refractory to medical therapy)