Dexlansoprazole is used to treat conditions caused by excessive acidity in your stomach, such as erosive oesophagitis (inflammation and damage in the lining of the food pipe) and reflux disease (also known as "heartburn", a burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth).
This medicine treats these conditions by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes.
Dexlansoprazole may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Dexlansoprazole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsule.
If you have difficulty in swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the granules onto 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the mixture immediately.
Alternatively, the capsule can be administered via oral syringe or nasogastric tube.
If you are administering it with water using an oral syringe, follow these steps:
- Open the capsule and mix the granules (do not crush) with 20 mL of water in a clean container.
- Withdraw the entire mixture into a syringe.
- Gently swirl the syringe to keep the granules from settling.
- Immediately administer the mixture into your mouth.
- Refill the syringe with 10 mL of water and swirl gently. Administer the water into your mouth.
- Repeat step 5.
Do not chew the granules and do not store the mixture for later use.
If you are administering it with water using a nasogastric tube, follow these steps:
- Open the capsule and mix the granules (do not crush) with 20 mL of water in a clean container.
- Withdraw the entire mixture into a catheter-tip syringe.
- Gently swirl the catheter-tip syringe to keep the granules from settling.
- Connect the catheter-tip syringe to the nasogastric tube (16 French or larger) and immediately inject the mixture into the stomach through the nasogastric tube.
- Refill the catheter-tip syringe with 10 mL of water, swirl gently and flush the nasogastric tube with the water.
- Repeat step 5.
Do not store the mixture for later use.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Dexlansoprazole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Dexlansoprazole with rilpivirine (medicine for HIV infection).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hypoparathyroidism (low level of parathyroid hormones)
- osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
- moderate to severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Dexlansoprazole to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. test to detect neuroendocrine tumours), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Some genetic traits can affect Dexlansoprazole's efficacy. Individuals who are ultrarapid and rapid metabolisers of CYP2C19 may respond poorer to this medicine and may require dose adjustment. Individuals who are poor CYP2C19 metabolisers may experience enhanced effects of Dexlansoprazole. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
For as long as you are taking Dexlansoprazole, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. magnesium and calcium level) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Dexlansoprazole may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach wind, stomach pain, and joint or muscle pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- severe diarrhoea, watery or bloody stools, severe stomach pain or cramps
- muscle spasms or cramps, weakness, fits or seizures, irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Dexlansoprazole with rilpivirine (medicine for HIV infection).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for HIV infection e.g. atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, clopidogrel
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- medicines for cancer e.g. erlotinib, dasatinib, methotrexate
- tacrolimus (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dexlansoprazole.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Do not eat raw food or food that is not cooked thoroughly, such as sushi and soft-boiled eggs. Meat should be cooked until well-done. Do not take unpasteurised whole milk, cheese, or fruit juices. Spicy food and carbonated "fizzy" drinks like soft drinks should also be avoided.
Eat small but frequent meals as large single meals may increase the pressure in your stomach leading to reflux.
You should try to avoid lying down soon after eating as this may worsen reflux symptoms.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet with your doctor or dietitian as a change in diet may help improve your symptoms.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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