Aciphex vs. Dexilant
See how Aciphex and Dexilant compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Aciphex and Dexilant are both proton pump inhibitors that lower stomach acid to treat GERD and related conditions, but their FDA-approved uses differ.
Aciphex is also approved for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, duodenal ulcers, and H. pylori eradication, while Dexilant's approvals are limited to erosive esophagitis and non-erosive GERD.
Dexilant uses a dual-release capsule that delivers two waves of medication, while Aciphex comes in only one tablet strength.
Aciphex vs. Dexilant Drug Summary
Aciphex
Aciphex (rabeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid to treat GERD, erosive esophagitis, duodenal ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is taken as a delayed-release tablet, usually once daily, though higher doses may be split into a twice-daily schedule for hypersecretory conditions.
Dexilant
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor used to heal erosive esophagitis and treat symptomatic non-erosive GERD. It is taken once daily as a delayed-release capsule with a dual-release formulation that works regardless of meal timing.
Aciphex vs. Dexilant Side Effects
Aciphex
Dexilant
Aciphex vs. Dexilant Dosage
Aciphex
Dexilant
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 60 mg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 30 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 60 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Aciphex
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 60 mg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Dexilant
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 30 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 60 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Aciphex vs. Dexilant Indications
Aciphex
Aciphex treats a wide range of acid-related conditions, from GERD and erosive esophagitis to duodenal ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It can also be combined with antibiotics to help eradicate H. pylori infection.
Healing of erosive or ulcerative GERD
Maintenance of GERD healing
Symptomatic GERD in adults and adolescents 12+
Duodenal ulcer healing
Dexilant
Dexilant treats erosive esophagitis at every grade and helps maintain healing after treatment. It also relieves heartburn symptoms and treats non-erosive GERD, but it is not approved for ulcers or H. pylori therapy.
Healing of all grades of erosive esophagitis
Maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis
Relief of heartburn symptoms
Treatment of symptomatic non-erosive GERD
Aciphex vs. Dexilant Pros and Cons
Aciphex
Aciphex covers a broader set of acid-related conditions, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, duodenal ulcers, and H. pylori eradication. It comes in only one tablet strength, which can limit dose adjustments for some patients.
Pros
FDA approved for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other hypersecretory conditions
Also approved for duodenal ulcer healing
Can be combined with antibiotics for H. pylori eradication
Cons
Available only as a single 20 mg tablet, limiting dose adjustments
Higher-dose regimens require twice-daily dosing
Roughly $658 to $1,536 per month without insurance, higher than Dexilant
Dexilant
Dexilant's dual-release capsule delivers medication in two separate waves, which may extend acid suppression without regard to meal timing. It is approved for erosive esophagitis and non-erosive GERD, but not for ulcers, H. pylori, or hypersecretory conditions.
Pros
Dual delayed-release capsule provides two separate waves of acid suppression
Can be taken once daily regardless of meal timing
Roughly $270 to $470 per month without insurance, lower than Aciphex
Cons
Not approved for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or other hypersecretory conditions
Not approved for duodenal ulcer healing
Not approved for H. pylori eradication regimens
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