Dexilant vs Prilosec: Comparing Two Acid Reflux Medications
Posted by Prescription Hope - See Editorial Guidelines (Last Updated On: Mon Oct 02 2023)
Let’s compare Dexilant vs Prilosec. Both of these are aimed at acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In this article, we will delve into all aspects of Dexilant vs Prilosec, comparing their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, side effects, and other important considerations.
Let’s start with a quick answer, then we’ll get into more details…
Dexilant vs Prilosec: Both are PPIs for GERD. Dexilant has a unique dual-release, potentially longer relief; Prilosec is cost-effective. Consider severity, side effects, cost, and doctor’s advice.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD affects millions of people worldwide.
It’s a condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain.
To manage the discomfort and potential complications of GERD, various medications are available, including Dexilant and Prilosec.
First, for those unfamiliar with these medications, we’ll recap what both of these medications do…
What is Dexilant
Dexilant is a medication used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and related conditions. Its active ingredient, dexlansoprazole, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production.
Unlike traditional PPIs, Dexilant features a dual-release mechanism, providing immediate and delayed relief by controlling acid levels.
It alleviates symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation while promoting the healing of esophageal damage caused by excessive acid exposure.
Dexilant’s unique formulation aims to offer extended and sustained relief, making it an option for individuals seeking effective management of acid reflux symptoms.
What is Prilosec
Prilosec, containing the active ingredient omeprazole, is a widely used medication for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers.
Like Dexilant, it also falls under the category of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), reducing stomach acid production by inhibiting proton pumps in the stomach lining.
And likewise, Prilosec provides relief from symptoms like heartburn, acid regurgitation, and indigestion by minimizing acid production.
It’s available in various strengths, including generic forms, and is typically taken orally as capsules or tablets.
Prilosec’s effectiveness and accessibility have made it a common choice for managing acid-related conditions and promoting the healing of esophageal irritation.
Mechanism of action of Dexilant vs Prilosec
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), of which as we mentioned, Dexilant and Prilisec are included work by reducing the production of stomach acid.
The cells in the lining of the stomach contain proton pumps that release acid into the stomach. Dexilant and Prilosec inhibit these pumps, effectively decreasing the amount of acid produced.
By reducing stomach acid, they alleviate the symptoms associated with acid reflux and also promote the healing of esophageal damage caused by excessive acid exposure.
Chemical structure
One key difference between Dexilant vs Prilosec lies in their chemical structure.
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is unique in that it is a dual-release PPI. This means it has two different types of granules that release medication at different times.
This provides an initial burst of medication to quickly reduce acid production, followed by a slower release to maintain acid suppression over time. Prilosec (omeprazole), on the other hand, is a single-release PPI, meaning it delivers the medication all at once.
Effectiveness of Dexilant vs Prilosec
Both Dexilant and Prilosec are effective in managing the symptoms of GERD and promoting the healing of esophageal damage.
Clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of both medications to significantly reduce heartburn, regurgitation, and other symptoms associated with acid reflux.
However, some studies suggest that Dexilant might provide slightly better control of symptoms in certain patients.
The dual-release mechanism of Dexilant could offer more sustained acid suppression, leading to longer-lasting relief. It may also be more effective in cases where patients have nocturnal symptoms, as the delayed-release component can provide coverage throughout the night.
Dosage and administration of Dexilant vs Prilosec
Dexilant and Prilosec are available in different dosage forms and strengths.
Dexilant comes in capsules containing 30 mg or 60 mg of dexlansoprazole, while Prilosec is available in capsules or tablets with strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg of omeprazole.
The dosages of these medications may vary depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.
It’s important for individuals to follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations and adhere to the prescribed dosages to achieve optimal results.
Side effects of Dexilant vs Prilosec
Both Dexilant and Prilosec are generally well-tolerated, but they can have some side effects. Common side effects of these medications include:
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Some patients may experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.
- Headache: Headaches are a relatively common side effect associated with PPI use.
- Nutrient Absorption: Long-term use of PPIs can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, calcium, and magnesium. This can lead to deficiencies in these essential nutrients.
- Increased Risk of Infections: There is some evidence to suggest that long-term PPI use could increase the risk of infections, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Kidney and Bone Health: Prolonged use of PPIs has also been linked to potential risks to kidney function and bone health.
It’s important to note that while these side effects are possible, not everyone will experience them.
Patients should discuss any concerns or potential side effects with their healthcare provider before starting these medications.
Long-term use and considerations of Dexilant vs Prilosec
Both Dexilant and Prilosec are intended for short-term use to manage acute symptoms of GERD and promote healing. However, some individuals may require long-term use due to the chronic nature of their condition.
Long-term PPI use should be carefully considered and monitored by a healthcare provider.
This is because prolonged use of PPIs can lead to various concerns, such as nutrient deficiencies, increased risk of infections, and potential effects on kidney and bone health.
Patients on long-term PPI therapy should undergo regular check-ups and discussions with their healthcare provider to assess the ongoing need for the medication and to address any potential risks.
Let’s now discuss the affordability of Dexilant vs Prolisec. And understand how to make each one cost-effective for patients.
Affordability of Dexilant vs Prilosec
When it comes to cost, Prilosec (omeprazole) is generally more affordable compared to Dexilant (dexlansoprazole). Dexilant tends to be more expensive through usual purchasing channels.
However, when it comes to affording your medications, Prescription Hope can help. Via our medication access service, you may be eligible to obtain your medications for as little as $60.00 per medication per month. All it takes is a simple enrollment here and we can then begin your application.
With our medication access service, we can help take the cost of medication out of the equation. So you and your healthcare provider can focus on selecting the best medications for you.
Dexilant vs Prilosec – Summary and next steps
In the battle of Dexilant vs. Prilosec, both medications offer effective relief for individuals suffering from acid reflux.
They belong to the same class of drugs and work by reducing stomach acid production.
Dexilant’s unique dual-release mechanism might provide some advantages in terms of sustained acid suppression, potentially offering longer-lasting symptom relief.
However, Prilosec’s generic availability and lower cost make it a more accessible option for many patients.
As with any medication, the choice between Dexilant vs Prilosec should be based on individual factors, including the severity of symptoms, and the potential for side effects.
It’s crucial for patients to consult their healthcare providers. Their knowledge and experience can determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for their specific situation.
Additionally, regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers are essential, especially for those considering long-term use of these medications, to ensure that the benefits outweigh any potential risks.
As for what to do with all this information, one major step to getting the best help is to enroll here for our medication access service.
