Dexlansoprazole is used to treat heartburn in people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes symptoms such as heartburn, burping, and sour taste). Dexlansoprazole is also used to treat erosive esophagitis [swelling and wearing away of the lining of the esophagus (tube that brings food from the mouth to the stomach) caused by backward flow of acid] and to prevent erosive esophagitis from coming back in people who have already been treated for this condition. Dexlansoprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
Dexlansoprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Dexlansoprazole may be taken with or without food, but it may provide more relief from after-meal symptoms if it is taken before a meal. Take dexlansoprazole at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dexlansoprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You should not chew or crush dexlansoprazole capsules. You can swallow the capsules whole, or you can open the capsule, sprinkle the contents on one tablespoon of applesauce, and swallow immediately.
Continue to take dexlansoprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dexlansoprazole without talking to your doctor.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
- Kapidex®
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