This article describes Dexilant’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Dexilant. If you want to know more about Dexilant, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Dexilant is a brand-name medication that comes as a delayed-release capsule. It’s available in a generic version called dexlansoprazole. This article describes dosages of Dexilant.
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Form and strengths of Dexilant
Dexilant comes as follows:
- Form: delayed-release oral capsule, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 30 milligrams (mg), 60 mg
Note: “Delayed release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over time.
Dosage of Dexilant
This article describes the recommended dosages for Dexilant. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Dexilant without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Dexilant in adults
Your doctor will likely start you on the recommended dosage expressed in milligrams (mg) of Dexilant. They will advise how long for you to take the medication.
| Purpose | Recommended dosage | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| to heal the lining of the esophagus damaged by a condition called erosive esophagitis | 60 mg once per day | up to 8 weeks |
| to protect the esophagus lining after it’s healed and to relieve heartburn | 30 mg once per day | up to 6 months |
| to relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | 30 mg once per day | 4 weeks |
Dosage of Dexilant in children
Dexilant is approved for use in children ages 12 years and older to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems related to high stomach acid.
Your doctor will likely start you on the recommended dosage of Dexilant. They will advise how long for you to take the medication.
| Purpose | Recommended dosage | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| to heal the lining of the esophagus damaged by a condition called erosive esophagitis | 60 mg once per day | up to 8 weeks |
| to protect the esophagus lining after it’s healed and to relieve heartburn | 30 mg once per day | up to 16 weeks |
| to relieve symptoms of GERD | 30 mg once per day | 4 weeks |
Dosage adjustments for Dexilant
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Dexilant based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- how well your liver functions
If you have liver problems, your doctor will likely recommend a specific dosage of Dexilant for a certain amount of time.
Missed dose of Dexilant
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Dexilant. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Dexilant and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Dexilant and its dosage.
When is the best time to take my dose of Dexilant, in the morning or at night?
There is no recommended best time to take your dose of Dexilant. You can take it in the morning or at night.
Dexilant is a delayed-release capsule that releases the drug into your body 1 to 2 hours after you first take it and then again within 4 to 5 hours. Your doctor may recommend you take it in the morning so that it works throughout the day. Or, if you have heartburn at night, they may advise you to take it in the evening.
You should try to take it around the same time each day so that the drug can work most effectively. Setting a reminder on your phone can help you to remember to take your dosage on time.
Can I take Dexilant twice daily?
No, Dexilant is meant to be taken once per day. It’s a delayed-release capsule, which means that the drug releases slowly into your body after you take it. Be sure to take Dexilant exactly as your doctor prescribes.
If you have questions about how often to take your Dexilant dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is it safe to take 120 mg of Dexilant daily?
No, the maximum dosage of Dexilant depends on the condition it’s being used to treat. The highest recommended dosage to heal the lining of the esophagus damaged due to erosive esophagitis is 60 mg per day. The maximum recommended dosage for the other conditions it’s approved for is lower.
For more information about the recommended dosages for Dexilant, see the section above, “Dosages of Dexilant.” Or talk with your doctor to learn more about the maximum dosages for this medication.
Can Dexilant be used for gastritis? If so, what is the dosage?
Dexilant isn’t approved to treat gastritis. For this reason, there isn’t a recommended dosage.
However, doctors may prescribe Dexilant off-label to treat certain cases of gastritis. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
To learn more about using Dexilant to treat gastritis, talk with your doctor.
Is Dexilant taken long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe Dexilant as a long-term treatment. Instead, they usually recommend Dexilant for a certain length of time, depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.
If you have questions about how long you should take Dexilant, talk with your doctor.
How Dexilant is taken
You’ll swallow Dexilant one time per day. It can be taken with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Dexilant should be swallowed whole. It shouldn’t be broken, crushed, or chewed. If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
If needed, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on applesauce. The granules should not be chewed; they should be swallowed immediately.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
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Get free cardOverdose of Dexilant
It’s important that you do not take more Dexilant than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Dexilant overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- hot flashes
- confusion
- weight loss
- pain in the throat and mouth
What to do if you take too much Dexilant
If you think you’ve taken too much Dexilant, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Dexilant. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Dexilant without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Dexilant exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will you increase my dosage if I do not see any improvement in my condition?
- Is there another medication that can treat my condition? If so, how does its dosage compare with the dosage of Dexilant?
- What will my dosage be if I have liver problems?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.