Brand Names: Dexilant

Generic Name: dexlansoprazole (Pronunciation: DEX lan SOE pra zol)

• What is dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)?
• What are the possible side effects of dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)?
• What is the most important information I should know about dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)?
• How should I take dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Dexilant)?
• What happens if I overdose (Dexilant)?
• What should I avoid while taking dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)?
• What other drugs will affect dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)?

Dexlansoprazole is in a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Dexlansoprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Dexlansoprazole is used to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and to heal erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid).

Dexlansoprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• severe stomach pain;
• worsening heartburn; or
• low magnesium (dizziness, confusion, fast or uneven heart rate, jerking muscle movements, jittery feeling, muscle cramps, muscle weakness or limp feeling, cough or choking feeling, seizure).

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas;
• diarrhea; or
• stuffy nose, sneezing, or other cold symptoms.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Dexilant (dexlansoprazole delayed release capsules) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)?

Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.

You should not take dexlansoprazole if you are allergic to it.

Before you take dexlansoprazole, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or low levels of magnesium in your blood.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.

When treating heartburn, dexlansoprazole is usually given for 4 weeks. To best heal erosive esophagitis, you may need to take dexlansoprazole for several months. Follow your doctor's instructions.