Compare Nexium vs. Dexilant
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats heartburn and stomach ulcers.
Nexium (esomeprazole) gives you long-lasting heartburn relief but has some risks if used long term.
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4.0/ 5 average rating with 1239 reviewsforNexium
Treats heartburn.
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is an effective medicine to treat heartburn, but can be expensive since it is only available as a brand.
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4.7/ 5 average rating with 73 reviewsforDexilant
Upsides
- Most people can take Nexium (esomeprazole) without any noticeable day-to-day side effects.
- Nexium (esomeprazole) lasts longer than other types of antacids (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums), and you only need to take it once a day.
- You can take it in combination with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) if you need quicker relief.
- Nexium (esomeprazole) is inexpensive, with over-the-counter and generic options.
- Coupons are available for the brand name - speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- The packet form is a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills.They can be mixed with water for easier swallowing.
- Relieves heartburn symptoms better than other stomach medicines (like Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac).
- Lasts longer than other alternative stomach medicines.
- Convenient once daily dosing.
- Treats GERD in children 12 to 17 years of age.
- Can be swallowed whole, or contents of the pill can be emptied into applesauce for easy swallowing.
Downsides
- Doesn't start working right away like antacids (Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox).
- It can take several days or weeks to start feeling benefits.
- May not be the best choice for patients 65 years of age and older due to risk of bone fractures and severe diarrhea.
- Similar to other proton pump inhibitors, Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) can weaken bones when taken for a long period of time.
- Can take a few days before you start to feel the full effects.
- Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) can affect how other medicines, vitamins, and minerals get absorbed in your body.
- There's no generic version available, so it can be expensive.
Used for
- GERD
- H. Pylori bacterial infection
- Prevention and treatment of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Injection
- Packet
- Delayed-release pill
- Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$20.52
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$212.28
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Reviews
1239 reviews so far
75%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Nexium (esomeprazole)?
Leave a review73 reviews so far
93%
saidit'sworth it
92%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Nexium (esomeprazole) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
6possible side effects
- Diarrhea5%
- Abdominal pain4%
- Nausea3%
- Upper airway infection3%
- Gas3%
- Vomiting2%
Risks and risk factors
- Stomach cancer
- Kidney injury
- Severe diarrhea
- Being treated at a hospital
- Bone fractures
- High dose Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Long-term treatment with Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Low bone mineral density
- Aged 65 years or older
- Lupus
- Possible stomach cancer
- Kidney inflammation
- Severe diarrhea
- Being hospitalized
- Antibiotic use
- Bone fractures
- High dose Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
- Long-term treatment with Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) (more than 1 year)
- Low bone mineral density
- Aged 50 years or older
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Taking steroids or seizure medicines
- Low magnesium and vitamin B12 levels
- Taking digoxin or diuretics
- Lupus