Dexilant™ (
dexlansoprazole) is a prescription medication approved to treat
gastroesophageal reflux disease (
GERD) and erosive esophagitis, a severe form of GERD in which the lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed and ulcerated. Dexilant was previously sold under the name
Kapidex™, but the name was changed because it was too similar to the names of a few other drugs (leading to a few "mix-ups").
Who Makes This Medication?
Dexilant is made by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.
Dexilant belongs to a group of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
The stomach contains tiny pumps (called proton pumps) that produce acid. Dexilant works by binding to the proton pumps, stopping them from producing acid. PPIs are very effective at decreasing acid production, as they work directly at the acid pumps.
Dexilant capsules contain tiny, delayed-release granules that contain the medication. They are specially designed to release the medication in two different phases. The first "peak" occurs one to two hours after the medication is taken, and the second peak occurs within four to five hours.
Additionally, the delayed-release granules are also enteric coated, which means they have a special coating to protect them from stomach acid (as the medication can be destroyed by stomach acid). The coating protects the medication until it reaches the small intestine, where the medication can be absorbed.
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