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 and ulcers.
Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) is an effective medicine to treat heartburn and ulcers, but can be expensive.
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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 and heals ulcers better than other stomach medicines, such as Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac.
- Lasts longer than other similar stomach medicines. Most people take it once a day.
- Your body won't develop a tolerance to Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole), so it'll work the same way as long as you need to keep taking it.
- Once heartburn symptoms are treated, a low dose of Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) can be taken daily.
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.
- Taking Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) in high doses or for longer than 1 year can increase the risk for bone fractures, especially if you already have osteoporosis (weak bones).
- Many drugs can interact with Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole), so talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicines.
- 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
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$22.21
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$280.87
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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 Respiratory Tract Infection2%
- Vomiting2%
- Flatulence2%
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
- Hiding possible cancer
- Severe stomach inflammation (atrophic gastritis)
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Autoimmune disease
- Severe diarrhea
- Being hospitalized
- Antibiotic use
- Broken bones
- Osteoporosis
- Age 50 or older
- Using high medication doses
- Long-term therapy (1 year or more)
- Smoking
- Use of other medications that weaken bones
- Low vitamin or mineral levels