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

Most common
Headache (up to 9.9%)
Pain (up to 3%)
Pharyngitis (up to 3%)
Flatulence (up to 3%)

Dexilant

Most common
Diarrhea (≥2%)
Abdominal pain (≥2%)
Nausea (≥2%)
Vomiting (≥2%)

Aciphex vs. Dexilant Dosage

Aciphex

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.