Dexlansoprazole - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Dexlansoprazole is a drug to treat complaints of stomach acid disease or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and helps restore inflammation of the esophagus due to increased stomach acid (erosive esophagitis)

Dexlansoprazole works by inhibiting the work of enzymes in the stomach lining, so that it can reduce the production and secretion of stomach acid. That way complaints, such as stomach pain, heartburn, or nausea, can subside.

Dexlansoprazole is also able to prevent more serious damage to the stomach and esophagus, due to irritation from stomach acid.

Dexlansoprazole trademark: Dexilant

What is Dexlansoprazole

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Proton pump inhibitor
Benefits	Relieves symptoms of acid reflux disease (GERD)
Consumed by	Adults and children 12 years old
Dexlansoprazole for pregnant and lactating women	Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.Dexlansoprazole can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Medicine form	Delay release capsule

Warning Before Taking Dexlansoprazole

Dexlansoprazole capsules should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription. There are several things that need to be considered before taking this drug, including:

• Do not take dexlansoprazole if you are allergic to this drug or to other proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole or omeprazole. Tell your doctor about your history of allergies.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking rilpivirine. Dexlansoprazole should not be taken together with these drugs.
• Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea, kidney disease, osteoporosis, osteopenia, liver disease, seizures, hypomagnesemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, or an autoimmune disease, such as lupus.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking dexlansoprazole.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Dexlansoprazole

The dose of dexlansoprazole will be determined based on the age of the patient and the purpose of its use. The following is the dosage distribution of dexlansoprazole capsules:

Condition: GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux disease

• Adults and children aged 12 years: The dose is 30 mg, 1 time a day, taken for 4 weeks.

Condition: Erosive Esophagitis

• Adults: The dose is 60 mg per day, taken for 8 weeks or more. The maintenance dose is 30 mg per day, taken for 6 months.
• Children 12 years old: The dose is 60 mg per day, taken for 8 weeks or more. The maintenance dose is 30 mg per day, taken for 4 months.

How to Take Dexlansoprazole Correctly

Always follow the doctor's instructions and read the instructions on the dexlansoprazole package before taking it. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use the drug for longer than the time recommended by the doctor.

Dexlansoprazole capsules can be taken with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, open or crush the capsules.

If it is difficult to swallow the capsule whole, open the capsule and pour the medicine into a spoon and mix it with a little water, then swallow it without chewing.

To get the best results, keep taking dexlansoprazole capsules as recommended by your doctor even though your condition has improved. Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor first.

Take dexlansoprazole at the same time every day to get maximum benefits. If you forget to take this drug, it is advisable to take it immediately if the gap with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Store dexlansoprazole capsules in a closed container in a cool place. Protect this medication from exposure to direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction of Dexlansoprazole with Other Drugs

The use of dexlansoprazole with other drugs can cause drug interactions, such as:

• Reduced levels of rilprivine, atazanavir, or nelfinavir, which may decrease their effectiveness in the treatment of HIV
• Increased levels of methotrexate, tacrolimus, or saquinavir in the blood so that it can increase the risk of side effects
• Decreased absorption of ampicillin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erlotinib, nilotinib, or mycophenolate mofetil

Side Effects and Dangers of Dexlansoprazole

Some of the side effects that may appear after taking dexlansoprazole are nausea, vomiting, bloating, or diarrhea. Do an examination to the doctor if the complaint does not subside or is getting worse.

See your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:

• Low levels of magnesium in the blood (hypomagnesemia), which can be characterized by symptoms such as a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, seizures, or muscle stiffness
• Low levels of vitamin B12 (vitamin B12 deficiency), which can be characterized by symptoms such as weakness, weakness, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands or feet, thrush on the tongue or mouth
• Recurrence of symptoms of autoimmune disease, which can be characterized by symptoms such as a red rash on the cheeks and face, skin that is more sensitive to sunlight, or joint pain
• A bacterial infection with Clostridium difficile, which can be characterized by persistent diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, or bloody or mucus-like stools