Dexilant is an proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and other conditions. It is available as a prescription drug, but you can also buy dexilant over the counter (OTC).
If you have been recently diagnosed with GERD or another condition for which dexliant is an appropriate treatment, your doctor may recommend getting a prescription instead of buying dexilant OTC. This is because there are certain risks and side effects associated with dexilant that make it less safe and effective as a non-prescription medication.
Table of Contents
What is dexliant?
Dexilant is a prescription (used to be an OTC drug, but now only available by prescription) proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is also used to treat hiatal hernia (which is when part of the stomach pushes above the diaphragm). It is also sometimes recommended for people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a rare condition in which the pancreas produces too much gastric acid).
PPIs are a drug class used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This is done by inhibiting the “sulfhydryl” chemical reaction responsible for the creation of stomach acid – one that is activated by acid-regulating enzymes (proteases) called “pepsins.”
How does it work?
PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This is done by inhibiting the “sulfhydryl” chemical reaction responsible for the creation of stomach acid – one that is activated by acid-regulating enzymes (proteases) called “pepsins.”
PPIs inhibit the proteases so that they cannot activate the HCl (hydrochloric acid) pumps in the stomach wall. This means that less HCl is secreted into the stomach, which in turn leads to decreased acidity in the stomach.
Side effects
The most common side effects that can occur in people who take PPI drugs like dexilant include headache, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal (belly) pain.
PPIs are associated with a significant risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to serious health issues. It is important to get your blood tested for vitamin B12 levels after a year of PPI use, and then again every few years after that to be sure the drug is not leading to deficiency.
PPIs are often used in conjunction with antibiotics, which can decrease the amount of stomach acid present. This can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, which can cause serious infection.
Warning and precautions
PPIs are associated with a risk for osteoporosis (decreased bone density) – especially in women.
Children and adolescents who take PPI medications are at an increased risk for fractures and vitamin B12 deficiency.
PPIs have been associated with an increased risk for chronic kidney disease in people over age 50.
PPIs are associated with a risk for pneumonia, especially in people who are immunocompromised (for example, people with chronic illnesses like HIV or cancer).
PPIs have been linked to an increased risk for Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections.
When to see a doctor
If you are taking dexilant, it is important to be aware of the above side effects and risks. If any of these issues are causing you significant discomfort, or if you notice any of the above symptoms in your loved ones who are taking dexilant, you should speak to your doctor.
If you are taking dexilant but have been diagnosed with a condition for which it is not indicated, such as a stomach ulcer, severe heartburn, or high blood pressure, you should also see your doctor.
Bottom line
Dexilant is a prescription proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions. It is available as a prescription drug, but you can also buy dexilant over the counter (OTC).
PPIs are a drug class used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This is done by inhibiting the “sulfhydryl” chemical reaction responsible for the creation of stomach acid – one that is activated by acid-regulating enzymes (proteases) called “pepsins.”
PPIs inhibit the proteases so that they cannot activate the HCl (hydrochloric acid) pumps in the stomach wall. This means that less HCl is secreted into the stomach, which in turn leads to decreased acidity in the stomach.
If you are taking dexilant, it is important to be aware of the above side effects and risks. If any of these issues are causing you significant discomfort, or if you notice any of the above symptoms in your loved ones who are taking dexilant, you should speak to your doctor.
