What Is Dexlansoprazole Used For?

Dexlansoprazole is a medication that treats heartburn associated with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and erosive esophagitis. It is also approved to prevent the return of erosive esophagitis. Occasionally, healthcare providers may also recommend off-label uses of dexlansoprazole, such as for the treatment of ulcers and various pathological hypersecretory conditions. This medication is only approved for adults.

Dexlansoprazole Drug Information

An Overview of Dexlansoprazole Uses

Dexlansoprazole (Kapidex^™) is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Approved dexlansoprazole uses include:

Treating heartburn associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Healing erosive esophagitis (erosions of the esophagus usually due to severe GERD)
Preventing the return of erosive esophagitis.

GERD is caused by acid reflux into the esophagus. Acid reflux is a term meaning the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. The stomach is designed to be able to handle the acid it produces; the esophagus, however, is not. If too much stomach acid is in contact with the esophagus for too long, damage to the lining of the esophagus occurs, causing the symptoms of GERD (click What Is GERD? for more information).

A few of the more common GERD symptoms include heartburn, feeling like food is stuck in your throat, choking feelings, acidic or sour taste in the mouth, and chest pain. Dexlansoprazole is approved to treat heartburn due to GERD. It works by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach.

Dexlansoprazole also works to heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) caused by GERD and can be used to help prevent esophagitis from coming back.

(What Is Dexlansoprazole Used For? Continued: Page 2)