Dexilant vs. Omeprazole
See how Dexilant and Omeprazole compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Dexilant's dual-release capsule spreads acid suppression across two waves and can be taken any time of day, while omeprazole works best taken before a meal.
Both are proton pump inhibitors for GERD and erosive esophagitis, but omeprazole also treats ulcers and H. pylori infection and costs far less out of pocket.
Omeprazole is sold over-the-counter for frequent heartburn, while Dexilant requires a prescription and carries a much higher price even as a generic.
Dexilant vs. Omeprazole Drug Summary
Dexilant
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor used to heal erosive esophagitis, maintain that healing, and relieve heartburn from non-erosive GERD. Its dual delayed-release capsule releases medication in two separate waves, so it is taken once daily at any time, regardless of meals.
Omeprazole
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat GERD, heal erosive esophagitis, and treat duodenal and gastric ulcers. It is taken once daily before a meal, usually for 4 to 8 weeks depending on the condition, and can also be paired with antibiotics to clear H. pylori infection.
Dexilant vs. Omeprazole Side Effects
Dexilant
Omeprazole
Dexilant vs. Omeprazole Dosage
Dexilant
Omeprazole
| 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 |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | 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 |
Omeprazole
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Dexilant vs. Omeprazole Indications
Dexilant
Dexilant is FDA-approved to heal all grades of erosive esophagitis, maintain that healing over time, and relieve heartburn from non-erosive GERD. It is not approved for children under 12 years old.
Healing of all grades of erosive esophagitis (EE)
Maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis
Relief of heartburn from non-erosive GERD
Treatment of symptomatic non-erosive GERD
Omeprazole
Omeprazole is FDA-approved to treat symptomatic GERD, heal erosive esophagitis, and treat duodenal and gastric ulcers. It is also used with antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection.
Healing of erosive esophagitis (EE)
Treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcers
Eradication of H. pylori (with antibiotics)
Treatment of symptomatic GERD
Dexilant vs. Omeprazole Pros and Cons
Dexilant
Dexilant's dual-release delivery gives it steady acid suppression that does not depend on meal timing, a real convenience edge over standard PPIs. That flexibility comes at a much higher price, even now that a generic dexlansoprazole is on the market.
Pros
Dual delayed-release formula spreads acid suppression across two release phases
Can be taken at any time of day, with or without food
Approved for healing of all grades of erosive esophagitis, including severe cases
Cons
Roughly $270 to $470 per month without insurance, even as a generic
Not approved for children under 12
Does not treat ulcers or H. pylori infection like omeprazole does
Omeprazole
Omeprazole covers a broader range of acid-related conditions, including ulcers and H. pylori infection, and has decades of real-world use behind it. It generally needs to be taken before a meal, and its single-release formula does not sustain acid control as evenly as Dexilant's dual-release design.
Pros
Roughly $5 to $25 per month as a generic, without insurance
Available over-the-counter as well as by prescription
Treats a wider range of conditions, including ulcers and H. pylori infection
Cons
Must be taken before eating, usually in the morning, for full effect
Single-release formula may not control acid as evenly through the day
Higher reported rate of headache than Dexilant's label
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.