Although Dexilant is only available in prescription strength, it is one of the newer proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of acid reflux diseases such as GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease. Because of its relatively late arrival on the market amidst a wealth of other such medications, many consumers are looking for Dexilant information before taking their prescription.
The following information is not meant to replace a diagnosis given by a medical professional nor is it intended to prescribe treatments. As a matter of fact, the sole purpose of providing Dexilant information is to help introduce this pharmaceutical which has only been on the market for about two years. Only a medical professional is qualified to treat any illnesses or conditions for which Dexilant is prescribed. Keep this in mind while reading what we have gathered to help you better understand this newer medication.
What Is Dexilant?
As mentioned, Dexilant is in a class of pharmaceuticals called proton pump inhibitors. They act by inhibiting the production of acid in the stomach – acid that causes acid reflux and other such conditions like GERD. If you think of the stomach as having literally millions of minute pumps that produce acid, you can liken Dexilant as a kind of control mechanism that turns those pumps off.
When Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) was first released on the market in 2009, it was called Kapidex. Unfortunately, there were a number of instances when Kapidex was mistakenly dispersed interchangeably with other drugs having similar names. Among those pharmaceuticals were Casodex and Kadian which are drugs to treat totally different things. As a result, the developers and manufacturers of Kapidex applied to the FDA for a name change which was granted in March of 2010. Kapidex is now known as Dexilant but it is exactly, down to the last molecule, the same mediation.
One of the most innovative benefits of Dexilant as a proton pump inhibitor is that it is a dual acting delayed release capsule. Unlike other medications used to treat GERD, ARD (acid reflux disease) and erosive esophagitis, Dexilant goes to work immediately to reduce acid in the stomach with the fast acting granules within the capsule. Along with immediate relief, Dexilant contains granules of delayed release medication that go to work five hours (or later) after taking the dose. This serves a two-fold purpose: a) it immediately reduces acid and b) it inhibits the production of acid in the stomach up to 24 hours.
How Is Dexilant Taken?
Most proton pump inhibitors are taken once daily just about an hour before a meal. While Dexilant is also taken once daily, it can be taken irrespective of food intake. In other words, you can take it before, during or after meals. However, since it does have the quick release antacid feature, many people choose to take Dexilant before meals to avoid acid indigestion.
Like the other proton pump inhibitors, Dexilant capsules can be swallowed whole or they can be opened up to be mixed with a tablespoon or so of applesauce for those who have trouble swallowing pills or capsules. It is important to note that you cannot chew the granules as some are time released. You must swallow the applesauce down and follow by a glass of water if necessary – but do not bite down on the granules.
Potential Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
One thing to keep in mind when taking medications of any kind is that everyone has the potential to react differently to any given compound. While some people may have allergies to Dexilant and/or any of the ingredients in the compound, others may handle it quite well. With that being said, there are some ‘common’ side effects which have manifested in the greatest number of individuals who have reported adverse reactions.
Among the side effects which have been reported most frequently are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, gas and stomach discomfort/pain. Also, some individuals have contracted upper respiratory infections as well, but this is not quite as common. There are, in addition to these side effects, the potential for more serious side effects which you should be aware of.
According to the manufacturer, there is always the possibility for an allergic reaction which would manifest in hives, rashes or swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat. Some people sensitive to Dexilant have experienced joint, muscle or bone pain while others became short of breath, dizzy, drowsy or generally weak. In some rare cases, chest pain and loss of consciousness were reported, but usually with inadvertent overdoses or as symptoms of severe allergic reactions.
There are several known medications which can either have adverse reactions when taken with Dexilant or can counteract the efficacy of one another. These medications usually fall into broad categories such as diuretics and anticoagulants. It is also known that ampicillin and Dexilant counteract each other.
Special Precautions When Taking Dexilant
Although not exactly a side effect or an adverse reaction, there are certain groups of people who should use extreme caution when taking Dexilant. If you are among these groups, make sure to talk to your doctor before taking Dexilant for the first time. The first group of people would be pregnant women, those who are trying to get pregnant and nursing mothers. After that, anyone with any conditions such as HIV/AIDS should likewise tell their physician they have the disease.
Elderly patients should also take Dexilant with extreme care as proton pump inhibitors are known to cause a weakening in the bones. As well, anyone who has osteoporosis or other bone disorders should use Dexilant with extreme care. Even so, since Dexilant is a prescription medication, it is always advisable to tell your doctor of any medications (prescription or OTC) that you are taking, along with any vitamins or health supplements that you may be using as part of your daily regimen.
Overdose and Emergency Procedures
While it is extremely rare to overdose if you take your medication only as prescribed, there may be times when you are experiencing extreme distress, perhaps causing you to forget whether or not you took your medication. In any case, if you feel that you have inadvertently taken an overdose of Dexilant, call your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
As with any other medication, use common sense. If you find someone unconscious, call 911. If you feel you are about to lose consciousness, call 911. The key to treating accidental overdoses is to act immediately. How you respond to an overdose is determined by the symptoms being presented. In any case, make sure to contact the appropriate professionals so that countermeasures can be taken.
Consumer Reviews
In compiling customer reviews gathered from around the web, we have found that Dexilant is meeting with a high amount of success. Almost 9 out of 10 reviews are highly favorable with very few individuals reporting that this medication was ineffective. A few consumers did have some adverse reactions such as nausea, diarrhea and skin rashes, but few said it didn’t work.
Actually, most users reported that the best part of Dexilant (above other proton pump inhibitors) is that it has both immediate and long lasting benefits. Those who suffer from acid reflux immediately after eating find that the quick acting compound in Dexilant provides relief while the delayed release granules continue working up to the full 24 hours as advertised. Dexilant has been well received by the majority of users.
Summary
Once again, it is important to note that this web site is not set up to be a substitute for proper medical diagnoses and treatments. This is an informative web site developed for those who suffer from all forms of heartburn and the acid reflux family of diseases. Because of this, we do not intend to ‘prescribe’ any medications which we review. Information is based on what is being written by the manufacturer, other medical reviewers and consumers taking the products.
It is our conclusion that Dexilant has benefits above and beyond other proton pump inhibitors. The most significant of these benefits is the fact that it has a quick acting component as well as a long lasting component. Other proton pump inhibitors cannot provide immediate relief for acid indigestion whereas Dexilant is able to do just that. Also, within the course of a 24 hour period it will continue to inhibit the production of stomach acid.
While we cannot prescribe medications, we can recommend or advise against them based on available information and consumer reviews. This is one of the medications which seems to have been well received and is doing the job it was intended to do. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with GERD or any of the acid reflux diseases, you may want to ask your doctor if Dexilant is suitable for you. Never take this or any medication unless it has been prescribed to you.