
Medicine overview
Indications of Delzo
Erosive Esophagitis (EE)
Delzo is an established, FDA-approved indication for healing of all grades of erosive esophagitis for up to 8 weeks in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older. Delzo is also indicated for maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis and relief of heartburn for up to 6 months in adults (up to 16 weeks in patients 12 to 17 years of age).
Symptomatic Non-Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Delzo is an established indication for treatment of heartburn associated with symptomatic non-erosive GERD for 4 weeks in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.
Composition
Each Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsule contains Dexlansoprazole 30 mg or Dexlansoprazole 60 mg as the active ingredient.
Description
Delzo is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medicine used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Delzo is commonly prescribed to heal acid-related damage to the food pipe (erosive esophagitis) and to relieve persistent heartburn caused by acid reflux (GERD). Delzo uses a special dual delayed-release capsule technology that releases Delzo in two stages, allowing once-daily dosing to control stomach acid over a longer period. Delzo is taken by mouth, usually once a day, with or without food, and the dose and length of treatment with Delzo depend on the condition being treated. As with all proton pump inhibitors, Delzo should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration appropriate for the condition.
Therapeutic Class
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
Pharmacology
Dexlansoprazole is the R-enantiomer of lansoprazole and works by irreversibly inhibiting the hydrogen-potassium ATPase (proton pump) enzyme system at the secretory surface of gastric parietal cells, blocking the final step of acid production. Dexlansoprazole is formulated as a Dual Delayed-Release (DDR) capsule containing two types of enteric-coated granules with different pH-dependent release profiles, producing two separate plasma concentration peaks (approximately 1-2 hours and 4-5 hours after dosing) and extending the duration of acid suppression compared with conventional single-release PPIs. Dexlansoprazole is extensively metabolized in the liver, mainly via the CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 enzyme pathways, and has an elimination half-life of approximately 1-2 hours.
Dosage & Administration of Delzo
The dose and duration of Delzo treatment depend on the specific condition being treated and must be determined by a qualified healthcare professional; the information below is general prescribing guidance and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.
Administration of Delzo
- Delzo capsules may be taken with or without food.
- Swallow the Delzo capsule whole; do not crush or chew it.
- If swallowing the capsule whole is difficult, the Delzo capsule may be opened and the granules sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce, then swallowed immediately without chewing; the mixture should not be stored for later use.
- As directed by a healthcare professional, the granules from an opened Delzo capsule may also be mixed with water and given through an oral syringe or a nasogastric tube.
- If a dose of Delzo is missed, take it as soon as remembered; if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not take two doses of Delzo at one time.
- Take Delzo at the same time each day for the best effect.
Interaction of Delzo
- Clopidogrel: Delzo may modestly reduce formation of the active metabolite of clopidogrel through CYP2C19 inhibition; in clinical studies with Delzo this reduction was small (about 9%) and was not considered clinically important, but clinical judgment is advised when Delzo is combined with clopidogrel.
- Methotrexate (high-dose): Concomitant use of Delzo with high-dose methotrexate may elevate and/or prolong serum methotrexate levels, increasing the risk of methotrexate toxicity; a temporary interruption of Delzo may be considered by the prescriber.
- Warfarin: Concomitant use with Delzo may increase INR and prothrombin time, raising bleeding risk; INR/PT monitoring is recommended.
- Drugs dependent on gastric pH for absorption (e.g., certain antifungal and antiretroviral drugs such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, atazanavir): Because Delzo reduces stomach acidity, Delzo can lower the absorption and effectiveness of these drugs.
- Rilpivirine-containing products: Concurrent use with Delzo is contraindicated because Delzo significantly decreases rilpivirine plasma concentrations and can cause loss of antiviral effect.
- Tacrolimus: Delzo may increase tacrolimus blood concentrations, particularly in patients who are CYP2C19 intermediate or poor metabolizers; monitoring of tacrolimus levels is advised.
- Digoxin: Delzo may increase digoxin exposure; monitoring for digoxin toxicity is recommended.
- Strong CYP2C19/CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John's Wort): These may substantially decrease Delzo concentrations and reduce its effectiveness; concomitant use should generally be avoided.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to Dexlansoprazole or to any other proton pump inhibitor, or to any component of the Dexlansoprazole formulation.
- Concurrent use with rilpivirine-containing products.
Side Effects of Delzo
Common Side Effects
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting, and flatulence are the most commonly reported side effects of Delzo. In adolescents (12-17 years), headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nasopharyngitis, and oropharyngeal pain have also been reported with Delzo.
Serious Side Effects - Seek Medical Attention
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) such as swelling of the face or throat, severe rash, or difficulty breathing.
- Severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (blistering or peeling skin).
- Signs of kidney problems (acute tubulointerstitial nephritis), such as decreased urination, blood in urine, or swelling.
- Persistent, watery, or bloody diarrhea, which may indicate Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (see Precautions and Warnings).
- Signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.
- New or worsening joint pain with a rash on the cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight (possible cutaneous or systemic lupus erythematosus).
- Signs of low magnesium, such as seizures, irregular heartbeat, tremors, or muscle spasms, particularly with long-term Delzo use (see Precautions and Warnings).
- A bone fracture, particularly of the hip, wrist, or spine, associated with long-term Delzo use (see Precautions and Warnings).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
There are no adequate, well-controlled studies of Delzo use in pregnant women. Animal reproduction studies with Delzo showed effects on fetal/offspring bone development (reduced femur weight, femur length, and growth plate thickness) at maternal exposures around 1.8 times the recommended human dose. Delzo should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, and pregnant women should discuss the use of Delzo with their healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether Delzo passes into human breast milk; related lansoprazole metabolites have been detected in the milk of lactating rats. The decision to use Delzo while breastfeeding should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding and the mother's clinical need for Delzo against any potential risk to the infant, and should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Precautions & Warnings
- Gastric malignancy: A symptomatic response to Delzo does not exclude the presence of gastric cancer; consider further evaluation, especially in older patients or those with alarm symptoms such as unexplained weight loss or persistent vomiting.
- Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis: This kidney condition may occur at any point during treatment with Delzo; discontinue promptly if it is suspected.
- Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea: Proton pump inhibitors such as Delzo may be associated with an increased risk of C. difficile infection, particularly in hospitalized patients; use Delzo at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed.
- Bone fracture risk: Long-term use of Delzo, especially at high doses and for a year or longer, has been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine; at-risk patients should follow guidance on adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and use the lowest effective Delzo dose.
- Hypomagnesemia: Low blood magnesium has been reported with prolonged Delzo use, generally after 3 months or more and most often after a year; healthcare providers may consider checking magnesium levels before and periodically during long-term Delzo therapy.
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) deficiency: Long-term use of Delzo, generally longer than 3 years, may reduce absorption of vitamin B12; monitor for signs of deficiency if long-term Delzo use is required.
- Cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus: New-onset or worsening lupus has been reported with PPI use, including Delzo; discontinue Delzo and refer to a specialist if manifestations occur.
- Fundic gland polyps: Long-term use of Delzo, especially beyond 1 year, is associated with an increased risk of benign fundic gland polyps; use the shortest duration of Delzo appropriate for the condition.
- Interference with diagnostic testing: Delzo can cause false-positive results in tests for neuroendocrine tumors (chromogranin A) and in secretin stimulation tests; Delzo should be temporarily stopped before these tests as advised by the prescriber.
- Methotrexate co-administration: See Drug Interactions; high-dose methotrexate combined with Delzo may require temporary interruption of Delzo.
Overdose Effects of Delzo
There is limited experience with Delzo overdose, and no cases involving serious harm or death have been reported. If an overdose of Delzo is suspected, do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed to do so by a doctor or a poison control center. Seek immediate medical attention or contact an emergency or poison control service. Treatment of Delzo overdose is symptomatic and supportive; Delzo is not effectively removed by hemodialysis.
Storage Conditions
Store Delzo according to the instructions on the product label, and keep Delzo out of the reach of children.
Use In Special Populations
Children
The safety and effectiveness of Delzo have been established only in patients 12 years of age and older. Delzo is not recommended in children younger than 2 years of age because of a potential risk of heart valve (mitral valve) thickening observed in animal studies, and Delzo has not been shown to be effective for symptomatic GERD in infants 1 month to less than 1 year of age. Use of Delzo in children below 12 years of age should only occur under specialist guidance.
Elderly
No overall differences in the safety or effectiveness of Delzo were observed between elderly and younger patients in clinical trials, although elimination of Delzo may be slower and drug exposure somewhat higher in older adults. No dose adjustment of Delzo is required based on age alone, but elderly patients using Delzo long-term should be monitored for bone, magnesium, and vitamin B12-related risks (see Precautions and Warnings).
Renal Impairment
No dosage adjustment of Delzo is required in patients with renal impairment, as Delzo is primarily eliminated through the liver rather than the kidneys.
Hepatic Impairment
No dose adjustment of Delzo is needed in mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A). In moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B), the recommended dose of Delzo for healing erosive esophagitis is reduced to 30 mg once daily. Delzo is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C), as Delzo has not been studied in this population.
Duration Of Treatment
The duration of Delzo treatment depends on the indication: healing of erosive esophagitis is typically treated with Delzo for up to 8 weeks; maintenance therapy after healing, to keep the esophagitis healed and control heartburn, may continue with Delzo for up to 6 months in adults (up to 16 weeks in patients 12-17 years); and symptomatic non-erosive GERD is generally treated with Delzo for 4 weeks. Long-term or repeated courses of Delzo should be reviewed periodically by a healthcare professional, given the risks associated with prolonged PPI use (see Precautions and Warnings).
Drug Classes
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI); Antisecretory / Antiulcer agent
Mode Of Action
Dexlansoprazole irreversibly binds to and inhibits the hydrogen-potassium ATPase (H+/K+-ATPase) enzyme, or proton pump, located on the surface of gastric parietal cells, thereby blocking the final step of gastric acid secretion regardless of the stimulus.
Pediatric Uses
Delzo is approved for use only in patients 12 years of age and older for the labeled indications. The safety and effectiveness of Delzo have not been established in children below 12 years of age. Delzo is not recommended in children under 2 years of age because of a possible risk of heart valve thickening seen in animal studies, and studies have not shown Delzo (or its parent compound lansoprazole) to be effective for symptomatic GERD in infants aged 1 month to less than 1 year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) used for?
A: Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) is used to heal erosive esophagitis (acid-related damage to the food pipe), to maintain healing of erosive esophagitis and relieve heartburn, and to treat heartburn caused by symptomatic non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Q: How should Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) be taken?
A: Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) is usually taken once daily, by mouth, with or without food, and the capsule should be swallowed whole. If the capsule cannot be swallowed whole, Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce, as directed by a doctor.
Q: What is the usual dose of Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release)?
A: The dose of Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) depends on the condition being treated - commonly Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) 60 mg once daily for healing erosive esophagitis, or Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) 30 mg once daily for maintenance therapy or non-erosive GERD - but the exact dose must be determined by a healthcare professional.
Q: Can Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) be taken with clopidogrel?
A: Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) may cause a modest reduction in the activation of clopidogrel through a CYP2C19-related interaction; in clinical studies this reduction was small and not considered clinically significant, but patients taking clopidogrel should inform their doctor before starting Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release).
Q: Is Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) safe during pregnancy?
A: The safety of Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) during pregnancy has not been fully established in humans; animal studies with Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) showed some effects on fetal bone development. Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) should be used in pregnancy only when a healthcare professional determines the benefit outweighs the potential risk.
Q: Can children take Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release)?
A: Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) is approved only for patients 12 years of age and older; Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) is not recommended for children under 2 years of age and has not been shown to be effective in infants younger than 1 year with symptomatic GERD.
Q: What are the common side effects of Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release)?
A: The most common side effects of Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and upper respiratory tract infection.
Q: Is it safe to use Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) for a long time?
A: Long-term use of Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release), like other proton pump inhibitors, has been associated with increased risks of bone fracture, low magnesium levels, vitamin B12 deficiency, and Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea; Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary, under medical supervision.
Q: What should be done if a dose of Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) is missed?
A: If a dose of Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) is missed, take it as soon as remembered; however, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not take two doses of Delzo 30mg Capsule (Delayed Release) at the same time.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.