
Medicine overview
Indications of Nexdex
Erosive Esophagitis (EE)
Nexdex 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. Nexdex 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)
Nexdex 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
Nexdex is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medicine used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Nexdex is commonly prescribed to heal acid-related damage to the food pipe (erosive esophagitis) and to relieve persistent heartburn caused by acid reflux (GERD). Nexdex uses a special dual delayed-release capsule technology that releases Nexdex in two stages, allowing once-daily dosing to control stomach acid over a longer period. Nexdex is taken by mouth, usually once a day, with or without food, and the dose and length of treatment with Nexdex depend on the condition being treated. As with all proton pump inhibitors, Nexdex 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 Nexdex
The dose and duration of Nexdex 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 Nexdex
- Nexdex capsules may be taken with or without food.
- Swallow the Nexdex capsule whole; do not crush or chew it.
- If swallowing the capsule whole is difficult, the Nexdex 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 Nexdex capsule may also be mixed with water and given through an oral syringe or a nasogastric tube.
- If a dose of Nexdex 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 Nexdex at one time.
- Take Nexdex at the same time each day for the best effect.
Interaction of Nexdex
- Clopidogrel: Nexdex may modestly reduce formation of the active metabolite of clopidogrel through CYP2C19 inhibition; in clinical studies with Nexdex this reduction was small (about 9%) and was not considered clinically important, but clinical judgment is advised when Nexdex is combined with clopidogrel.
- Methotrexate (high-dose): Concomitant use of Nexdex with high-dose methotrexate may elevate and/or prolong serum methotrexate levels, increasing the risk of methotrexate toxicity; a temporary interruption of Nexdex may be considered by the prescriber.
- Warfarin: Concomitant use with Nexdex 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 Nexdex reduces stomach acidity, Nexdex can lower the absorption and effectiveness of these drugs.
- Rilpivirine-containing products: Concurrent use with Nexdex is contraindicated because Nexdex significantly decreases rilpivirine plasma concentrations and can cause loss of antiviral effect.
- Tacrolimus: Nexdex may increase tacrolimus blood concentrations, particularly in patients who are CYP2C19 intermediate or poor metabolizers; monitoring of tacrolimus levels is advised.
- Digoxin: Nexdex 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 Nexdex 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 Nexdex
Common Side Effects
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting, and flatulence are the most commonly reported side effects of Nexdex. In adolescents (12-17 years), headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nasopharyngitis, and oropharyngeal pain have also been reported with Nexdex.
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 Nexdex use (see Precautions and Warnings).
- A bone fracture, particularly of the hip, wrist, or spine, associated with long-term Nexdex use (see Precautions and Warnings).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
There are no adequate, well-controlled studies of Nexdex use in pregnant women. Animal reproduction studies with Nexdex 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. Nexdex 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 Nexdex with their healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether Nexdex passes into human breast milk; related lansoprazole metabolites have been detected in the milk of lactating rats. The decision to use Nexdex while breastfeeding should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding and the mother's clinical need for Nexdex 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 Nexdex 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 Nexdex; discontinue promptly if it is suspected.
- Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea: Proton pump inhibitors such as Nexdex may be associated with an increased risk of C. difficile infection, particularly in hospitalized patients; use Nexdex at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed.
- Bone fracture risk: Long-term use of Nexdex, 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 Nexdex dose.
- Hypomagnesemia: Low blood magnesium has been reported with prolonged Nexdex 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 Nexdex therapy.
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) deficiency: Long-term use of Nexdex, generally longer than 3 years, may reduce absorption of vitamin B12; monitor for signs of deficiency if long-term Nexdex use is required.
- Cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus: New-onset or worsening lupus has been reported with PPI use, including Nexdex; discontinue Nexdex and refer to a specialist if manifestations occur.
- Fundic gland polyps: Long-term use of Nexdex, especially beyond 1 year, is associated with an increased risk of benign fundic gland polyps; use the shortest duration of Nexdex appropriate for the condition.
- Interference with diagnostic testing: Nexdex can cause false-positive results in tests for neuroendocrine tumors (chromogranin A) and in secretin stimulation tests; Nexdex should be temporarily stopped before these tests as advised by the prescriber.
- Methotrexate co-administration: See Drug Interactions; high-dose methotrexate combined with Nexdex may require temporary interruption of Nexdex.
Overdose Effects of Nexdex
There is limited experience with Nexdex overdose, and no cases involving serious harm or death have been reported. If an overdose of Nexdex 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 Nexdex overdose is symptomatic and supportive; Nexdex is not effectively removed by hemodialysis.
Storage Conditions
Store Nexdex according to the instructions on the product label, and keep Nexdex out of the reach of children.
Use In Special Populations
Children
The safety and effectiveness of Nexdex have been established only in patients 12 years of age and older. Nexdex 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 Nexdex has not been shown to be effective for symptomatic GERD in infants 1 month to less than 1 year of age. Use of Nexdex in children below 12 years of age should only occur under specialist guidance.
Elderly
No overall differences in the safety or effectiveness of Nexdex were observed between elderly and younger patients in clinical trials, although elimination of Nexdex may be slower and drug exposure somewhat higher in older adults. No dose adjustment of Nexdex is required based on age alone, but elderly patients using Nexdex long-term should be monitored for bone, magnesium, and vitamin B12-related risks (see Precautions and Warnings).
Renal Impairment
No dosage adjustment of Nexdex is required in patients with renal impairment, as Nexdex is primarily eliminated through the liver rather than the kidneys.
Hepatic Impairment
No dose adjustment of Nexdex is needed in mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A). In moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B), the recommended dose of Nexdex for healing erosive esophagitis is reduced to 30 mg once daily. Nexdex is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C), as Nexdex has not been studied in this population.
Duration Of Treatment
The duration of Nexdex treatment depends on the indication: healing of erosive esophagitis is typically treated with Nexdex for up to 8 weeks; maintenance therapy after healing, to keep the esophagitis healed and control heartburn, may continue with Nexdex 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 Nexdex for 4 weeks. Long-term or repeated courses of Nexdex 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
Nexdex is approved for use only in patients 12 years of age and older for the labeled indications. The safety and effectiveness of Nexdex have not been established in children below 12 years of age. Nexdex 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 Nexdex (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 Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) used for?
A: Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) 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 Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) be taken?
A: Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) 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, Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce, as directed by a doctor.
Q: What is the usual dose of Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets)?
A: The dose of Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) depends on the condition being treated - commonly Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) 60 mg once daily for healing erosive esophagitis, or Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) 30 mg once daily for maintenance therapy or non-erosive GERD - but the exact dose must be determined by a healthcare professional.
Q: Can Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) be taken with clopidogrel?
A: Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) 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 Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets).
Q: Is Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) safe during pregnancy?
A: The safety of Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) during pregnancy has not been fully established in humans; animal studies with Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) showed some effects on fetal bone development. Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) should be used in pregnancy only when a healthcare professional determines the benefit outweighs the potential risk.
Q: Can children take Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets)?
A: Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) is approved only for patients 12 years of age and older; Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) 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 Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets)?
A: The most common side effects of Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and upper respiratory tract infection.
Q: Is it safe to use Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) for a long time?
A: Long-term use of Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets), 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; Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) 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 Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) is missed?
A: If a dose of Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) 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 Nexdex 30 mg Capsule (Enteric Coated Pellets) 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.