Dexlansoprazole is a medication that treats conditions like ulcers in the esophagus and gastrointestinal reflux disease. It belongs to group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and bears close affinity to another medication, lansoprazole, from which it is derived. Certain warnings are associated with using dexlansoprazole, and it also has drug and medical condition contraindications. Moreover, like all medications, it has side effects.
Proton pump inhibitors are very effective at shutting down gastric acid production, which makes them ideal for treating ongoing illnesses resulting from the presence of too much acid. When PPIs are working, the body is able to heal from conditions like ulcers. This can take time, and these medications aren’t fast acting. In other words, they’re not useful for occasional heartburn. Instead, PPIs work over the long term.
There are numerous PPIs on the market, and one of these, introduced in the 1990s, was lansoprazole. In the 2000s, the drug’s developer then created dexlansoprazole, which is an extended release formula. It’s also an enantiomer of lansoprazole, meaning it has a near identical but opposite chemical structure. The manufacturers of the medication insist the new drug’s chemical arrangement and extended release create a better product, but there’s limited evidence to support this claim. Both drugs are thought effective, but lansoprazole is less expensive.
Determination of the best drug isn’t wholly dependent on price. Doctors also contemplate factors like warnings about medication and medical condition interactions. A warning that applies to most PPIs is that they can elevate the possibility of fractures in people over the age of 50, and this risk increases when a person has osteoporosis.
Dexlansoprazole has also not been adequately studied in pregnant or nursing women and in pediatric populations. It is considered a low risk among these populations. Still there is presently not enough clinical evidence to prove its safety.
Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, and drug interactions may require different dosage directions. Some common medications that react with dexlansoprazole are ampicillin, digoxin, warfarin, and iron. To avoid other potentially dangerous medicine combinations, patients should provide doctors with a full list of the drugs they use.
Anyone using a new medication should understand its possible adverse reactions. Some of the most common benign side effects associated with dexlansoprazole are nausea, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. Other individuals experience an increase in nasal congestion or sneezing. Many of these reactions are transient and improve over time. If they worsen or become difficult to endure, patients should talk to their physicians.
More severe side effects need immediate medical attention. These include symptoms of an allergic reaction like difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, and tongue. Patients should also get help right away if they experience pounding heart rhythm, chest pain, acute stomach discomfort, or worsening heartburn symptoms.
