Do you also have gastritis symptoms like frequent heartburn, sour taste in the throat, and stomach pain? At such times, your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for you. This is Dexlansoprazole. In Sri Lanka, this medicine can come under brand names like Dexilant and Kapidex. So today, let's talk about this medicine in simple terms, how to use it, and things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a type of medicine that reduces the amount of acid produced in your stomach. In medical terms, we call this a class of medicine called ' Proton Pump Inhibitors' (PPIs) . When our stomach acid increases, things like gastritis, heartburn, stomach ulcers, and reflux disease occur. So this medicine works by controlling that acid production.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor should be fully aware of your health condition. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have been diagnosed with low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood.
- If you have a condition called Lupus .
- If you have had an allergic reaction to this Dexlansoprazole medicine or any other PPI medicine, or to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine.
- Swallow the capsule whole: This capsule should be swallowed whole with water. Never break, crush, or chew the capsule.
- If you have difficulty swallowing: Imagine that you have difficulty swallowing this capsule at once. If so, you can carefully open the capsule, put the small seeds inside in a teaspoon of something like applesauce, and swallow them without stirring. But do not chew the seeds. Drink some water after swallowing.
- Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, just as your doctor told you.
- If given to children: Doctors usually prescribe this to children over 12 years of age under certain special circumstances. However, you should follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to someone else just because they have the same symptoms as you.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Some medications may interact with Dexlansoprazole.
| Possible problems (interactions) with Dexlansoprazole | |
|---|---|
| Don't take these with you at all. | |
| |
| If you are taking this medication, inform your doctor. | |
|
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- It may take a few days for the symptoms to subside: The stomach pain may not subside immediately after starting the medication. It may take a few days. If the symptoms do not subside or worsen, tell your doctor.
- Diarrhea: If you have severe, watery diarrhea that lasts more than two days and a fever, do not take medication from the pharmacy and call your doctor immediately.
- Long-term use: Some side effects may occur when this medicine is used continuously for months or years.
- Weakened bones: Bone strength may decrease, increasing the risk of fractures.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: The body may not absorb vitamin B12 well. This can cause symptoms like numbness in the limbs and dizziness.
- Small growths in the stomach (polyps): These are usually not cancerous. However, if you experience pain when pressing on your stomach, nausea, or blood in your stool, tell your doctor .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Effects on the kidneys | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Decreased magnesium levels | Muscle twitching, unusual weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Severe diarrhea | Severe diarrhea, fever. |
| Blistering or redness of the skin | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor injuries | Headache, nausea, upset stomach, constipation, dry mouth. |
Take-Home Message
- Dexlansoprazole is a medication that reduces stomach acid and is used to treat conditions such as gastritis.
- Do not chew or crush this medicine when taking it. Swallow it whole.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially medications like Warfarin and Digoxin.
- If you experience symptoms such as severe stomach upset, severe skin rash, or facial swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you are using this medication for a long time, talk to your doctor about bone health and vitamin B12 levels.
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