Key takeaways
- Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for conditions related to acid reflux in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It comes as a capsule that’s taken once per day.
- Dexilant can be taken in the morning or at night, but it’s best to take it at the same time each day to keep a consistent level of the drug in your body.
- Dexilant is not recommended for twice-daily dosing. Taking Dexilant twice a day has been associated with high blood pressure and other side effects.
Dexilant belongs to a drug class called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Dexilant is available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Dexilant, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Dexilant, see this Dexilant overview article.
Note:This article describes typical dosages for Dexilant provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Dexilant, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Below is information about Dexilant’s strengths and dosages.
Dexilant form
Dexilant comes as an oral delayed-release (DR) capsule. “Delayed release” means that the drug is released into your body slowly over time. With Dexilant capsules, it also means that the release of the drug is delayed until it reaches certain parts of your digestive tract.
This design helps Dexilant work better to relieve GERD symptoms and treat erosive esophagitis.
Dexilant strengths
Dexilant comes in two strengths: 30 milligrams (mg) and 60 mg.
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults and children ages 12 years and older. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
| Dosage | Duration | |
|---|---|---|
| healing erosive esophagitis | one 60-mg capsule once daily | up to 8 weeks |
| maintaining erosive esophagitis healing, including treating heartburn | one 30-mg capsule once daily | For adults: • up to 6 months For children: • up to 16 weeks |
| symptomatic, non-erosive GERD | one 30 mg capsule once daily | 4 weeks |
How to take Dexilant
Dexilant comes as an oral capsule that you swallow whole. Or, you can open the capsules and sprinkle the pellets on applesauce. Swallow right away, without chewing the pellets. Then, drink a glass of water to make sure you’ve swallowed all the pellets.
Dexilant capsules may also be emptied into a glass of about 2/3 of an ounce of water. Then, draw up the mixture into a syringe and immediately empty it into your mouth. Refill the syringe with about 10 mL of water, swirl the water within the syringe (to help absorb all the medication), then empty into your mouth. Repeat the process of filling the syringe with 10 mL water, swirling, and emptying into your mouth. Dexilant can also be administered through a nasogastric (NG) tube using this process.
You may take your dose with or without food. Dexilant may be taken in the morning or at night.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Long-term treatment
Dexilant is usually taken short term for its approved uses. Doctors typically prescribe Dexilant in adults for:
- up to 8 weeks, for healing erosive esophagitis
- up to 6 months, for maintaining erosive esophagitis healing
- up to 4 weeks, for treating symptoms of GERD
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to take Dexilant.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Dexilant in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
It’s important that you do not take more Dexilant than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Dexilant
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Dexilant. Another option is to call Poison Help at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Discover more about Dexilant
Below are some frequently asked questions about Dexilant.
No, taking Dexilant twice a day is not a recommended dosage. The typical recommended dosage for Dexilant depends on the condition you’re taking it to treat. But all recommended dosages are for once-daily use.
Taking Dexilant 60 mg twice a day can cause side effects according to reports, including:
- high blood pressure
- hot flashes
- bruising
- pain in your mouth and throat
- weight loss
» Learn more: Dexilant: Mild to serious side effects and how to manage them
Dexilant doesn’t have an approved dosage for gastritis. Because Dexilant isn’t approved for gastritis, the drug’s manufacturer doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use.
However, doctors may still prescribe Dexilant or other PPIs to treat gastritis off-label. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about Dexilant and off-label uses, such as the dosage for treating gastritis.
No, 120 mg is not a recommended Dexilant dosage. The highest recommended Dexilant dosage is 60 mg, taken once per day.
Taking 60 mg twice a day, giving a 120-mg daily dosage, has caused side effects according to reports. These side effects include high blood pressure, hot flashes, and pain in your throat or mouth.
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is prescribed in 30-mg and 60-mg doses to manage GERD and heal erosive esophagitis. While 60 mg is standard for active healing, 30 mg is the typical dose for maintenance or non-erosive symptoms.
Because individual health factors can affect how your body processes Dexilant, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional to determine the safest dosage for your specific health needs.
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current drug information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.