Dexlansoprazole 60mg DR Capsules
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To take this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take it with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole - do not chew or crush it. If you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole, you can sprinkle the contents onto applesauce, but be sure to swallow the mixture immediately without chewing.
If you have a feeding tube, you can use this medication as directed by your healthcare provider. After administering the medication through the feeding tube, flush the tube as instructed.
Continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling well.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store this medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of medications, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are 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's 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 the capsule whole; do not chew, crush, or open the capsule.
- Can be taken with or without food.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
- Avoid trigger foods that worsen acid reflux (e.g., spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, citrus, tomatoes).
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoid lying down for at least 3 hours after eating.
- Elevate the head of your bed.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- 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 experience 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, change in balance, abnormal heartbeat, seizures, loss of appetite, or severe upset stomach or vomiting.
Kidney Problems: Inability to pass urine, change in urine output, blood in the urine, or significant weight gain.
Dizziness or Fainting
Rapid Heartbeat
Bone Pain
Lupus: If you have a history of lupus, inform your doctor. Be aware of symptoms like a rash on the cheeks or other body parts, change in skin color, 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. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain or cramps, very loose or watery stools, or bloody stools. 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 experience 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 experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help:
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
Common cold symptoms
Gas
Headache
* Nose or throat irritation
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have concerns or questions, contact 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 stomach pain or diarrhea
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Signs of kidney problems (e.g., little or no urination, painful urination, swelling in feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath)
- Signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice - yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Signs of low magnesium (e.g., dizziness, confusion, fast or uneven heart rate, jerking muscle movements, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms in your hands and feet, cough or choking feeling)
- New or worsening joint pain, especially in the hands, wrists, or feet (lupus-like syndrome)
- Severe allergic reaction (e.g., rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing)
- Any new or worsening symptoms, especially difficulty swallowing, blood in vomit, or black/tarry stools, as these may indicate a more serious condition.
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. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you have liver disease, as this may affect the medication's safety and efficacy.
If you are currently taking any of the following medications:
+ Atazanavir
+ Methotrexate
+ Nelfinavir
+ Rilpivirine
+ Warfarin
If you are taking Rifampin or St. John's wort, as these may interact with the medication.
* 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 potential interactions. It is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help ensure your safety while taking this medication.
Remember, before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, you must consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so in conjunction with this medication and your individual health profile.
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 vomit that resembles coffee grounds. These symptoms may indicate a more serious health issue.
Do not take this medication for a longer period than prescribed by your doctor. Long-term use of this drug may increase the risk of fractures in the hip, spine, and wrist, particularly in individuals with osteoporosis (weak bones). The risk of fractures may be higher if you take this medication in high doses or for more than a year, or if you 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 when taking this medication. Discuss your individual risk factors with your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Prolonged use of this medication (typically more than three months) may lead to rare but potentially serious side effects, including low magnesium levels. Most cases of low magnesium levels occur after one year of treatment. Low magnesium levels can cause other electrolyte imbalances, and your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your levels.
Long-term treatment with this medication (usually more than three years) may also cause low vitamin B-12 levels. Be aware of the symptoms 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 and legs. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor promptly.
Taking this medication for more than one year may increase the risk of developing stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. If you have concerns or questions, discuss them with your doctor.
If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately, as it may harm the unborn baby. Additionally, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss any potential risks to your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- No specific symptoms of overdose have been reported, but high doses may lead to exaggerated adverse effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), headache, and dizziness.
What to Do:
There is no specific antidote. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Dexlansoprazole is not significantly removed by hemodialysis. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) immediately.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Clopidogrel (reduced antiplatelet effect)
- Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels)
- Nelfinavir, Atazanavir (reduced antiviral efficacy)
- Erlotinib, Dasatinib, Nilotinib (reduced absorption)
Moderate Interactions
- Warfarin (potential for increased INR)
- Digoxin (increased digoxin absorption)
- Iron salts (reduced iron absorption)
- Ketoconazole, Itraconazole (reduced antifungal absorption)
- Mycophenolate mofetil (reduced mycophenolic acid exposure)
- Tacrolimus (increased tacrolimus levels)
- Citalopram (potential for QT prolongation, though less significant than with omeprazole)
Minor Interactions
- Vitamin B12 (long-term use may lead to deficiency)
- Calcium salts (reduced absorption)
Monitoring
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly during treatment
Target: Resolution or significant improvement of symptoms
Action Threshold: Persistent or worsening symptoms may require re-evaluation or alternative therapy.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with long-term use (âĨ3 months) or concomitant diuretics/digoxin
Target: Normal serum magnesium levels (1.7-2.2 mg/dL)
Action Threshold: Hypomagnesemia (e.g., <1.7 mg/dL) requires supplementation or discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with long-term use (âĨ3 years)
Target: Normal serum B12 levels
Action Threshold: Deficiency requires supplementation.
Frequency: Consider for patients at risk for osteoporosis with long-term, high-dose therapy
Target: Maintain healthy bone density
Action Threshold: Significant bone loss may require intervention or alternative therapy.
Symptom Monitoring
- Heartburn
- Acid regurgitation
- Dysphagia
- Chest pain (non-cardiac)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Signs of hypomagnesemia (e.g., muscle cramps, arrhythmias, seizures)
- Signs of B12 deficiency (e.g., fatigue, paresthesias)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Limited data on dexlansoprazole use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Animal studies have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
It is unknown if dexlansoprazole is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Other PPIs are considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Pediatric Use
Approved for adolescents aged 12 to 17 years for healing of erosive esophagitis and treatment of non-erosive GERD. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients younger than 12 years have not been established.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients. No dosage adjustment is necessary based solely on age. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to certain adverse effects (e.g., bone fractures, C. difficile infection) and may have comorbidities or polypharmacy requiring careful consideration.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Dexlansoprazole's dual delayed-release formulation allows for flexible dosing, as it can be taken without regard to meals, unlike some other PPIs.
- It is the R-enantiomer of lansoprazole, offering similar efficacy with potentially improved pharmacokinetic properties for some patients.
- Long-term PPI use (especially >1 year) has been associated with increased risk of C. difficile infection, bone fractures (hip, wrist, spine), and hypomagnesemia. Periodically assess the need for continued therapy.
- Patients on clopidogrel should generally avoid concomitant PPIs due to potential reduction in clopidogrel's antiplatelet effect, particularly with omeprazole and esomeprazole. Dexlansoprazole's interaction with clopidogrel is considered less significant than omeprazole/esomeprazole, but caution is still advised.
- Consider vitamin B12 supplementation for patients on long-term PPI therapy (e.g., >3 years) due to potential malabsorption.
- For patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B), a dose reduction to 30 mg once daily is recommended.
Alternative Therapies
- Other Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole
- H2 Receptor Blockers (H2RAs): Famotidine, Ranitidine (withdrawn in some regions), Cimetidine, Nizatidine
- Antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide)
- Prokinetics (e.g., Metoclopramide - for specific motility disorders)
- Sucralfate (for mucosal protection)