DEXILANT (DEXLANSOPRAZOLE)

Dexilant Helps with Symptoms of Heartburn

Is mealtime or bedtime a time of heartburn or feeling like your throat is on fire? Some people may produce too much acid in their stomach and experience painful burning sensations in their chest, a bitter taste in their mouth, excessive burping, or have a sore throat and cough. Talk to your doctor about a prescription for Dexilant (formerly known as Kapidex) to help with the symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux before it causes permanent damage to your esophagus or progresses to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

How Dexlansoprazole Reduces Production of Stomach Acid

Dexilant contains Dexlansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that can help with your symptoms and prevent further damage from the stomach acid rising in your esophagus. Your stomach has certain cells that contain a molecule called a proton pump whose job is to replace a non-acidic potassium ion with an acidic hydrogen ion. The more acidic ions in your stomach, the more the contents of your stomach become acidic. When taken as directed, Dexilant interferes with the action of the proton pump in order to reduce stomach acid production.

Conditions Treated by Dexilant

As you swallow, the food goes down your esophagus and enters your stomach through your lower esophageal sphincter, a muscular valve. In some people, this valve is too relaxed and stomach acid can travel backwards into your esophagus and sometimes into your mouth. This acid can cause damage to your esophagus and cause symptoms of coughing, hoarseness when you speak from inflammation of your vocal chords, and erode the enamel on your teeth.

Things you can do to minimize the effects of acid reflux or GERD include losing weight, eating healthier, do not eat 3-4 hours before bedtime, and stop smoking. You can also wear loosely fitted clothes during dinner, raise the head of your bed 6-8 inches, do not lay down or bend over shortly after a meal, and take note of which foods seem to trigger your heartburn.

Before You Receive a Dexilant Rx

Ask your doctor if there are any risks to taking Dexilant if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Provide a medical history to your doctor with other conditions or allergies you have and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including alternative medicine. Your doctor can then determine if Dexilant is right for your situation.

Dexilant Precautions and Proper Use

Do not share Dexilant or other Rx medications with anyone else. Keep all drugs out of children’s reach and away from pets. Talk to your doctor before you make any changes to the dosage of Dexilant as this may increase your risk of side effects. If you have trouble swallowing, open the Dexilant capsule and mix with a small amount of applesauce just before you take it.

Possible Side Effects of Dexilant

• Gas
• Cough
• Stuffy nose
• Mild diarrhea