Dexilant vs. Pantoprazole
See how Dexilant and Pantoprazole compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Dexilant and pantoprazole are both proton pump inhibitors used to heal erosive esophagitis and manage GERD, but they differ in dosing flexibility and price.
Dexilant uses a dual delayed-release formula that lets you take it without regard to meals, while pantoprazole is typically taken before eating.
Pantoprazole is available as a low-cost generic in multiple forms, while Dexilant is a brand-name capsule that costs significantly more out of pocket.
Dexilant vs. Pantoprazole Drug Summary
Dexilant
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that treats erosive esophagitis and GERD by reducing stomach acid production. It uses a dual delayed-release capsule that releases medication in two waves, so it can be taken once daily without regard to meals.
Pantoprazole
Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to heal erosive esophagitis, treat GERD, and manage conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It comes as an oral tablet, oral suspension, or IV injection, and is usually taken before a meal for best absorption.
Dexilant vs. Pantoprazole Side Effects
Dexilant
Pantoprazole
Dexilant vs. Pantoprazole Dosage
Dexilant
Pantoprazole
| 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 | 40 mg once daily | Weeks 1-8 |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg twice 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 |
Pantoprazole
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 40 mg once daily | Weeks 1-8 |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Dexilant vs. Pantoprazole Indications
Dexilant
Dexilant is FDA-approved to heal all grades of erosive esophagitis, maintain that healing, and treat both erosive and non-erosive GERD. It also relieves heartburn symptoms tied to GERD.
Healing of erosive esophagitis (EE)
Maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis
Relief of heartburn
Treatment of non-erosive GERD (NERD)
Pantoprazole
Pantoprazole is FDA-approved for short-term healing of erosive esophagitis, maintenance of that healing, and treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is not approved to provide immediate relief of heartburn.
Short-term healing of erosive esophagitis
Maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Pediatric use for EE (5 years and up)
Dexilant vs. Pantoprazole Pros and Cons
Dexilant
Dexilant's dual-release formulation offers flexible dosing that does not depend on meal timing, a convenience many other PPIs lack. It is only available as a brand-name oral capsule, which keeps its price well above pantoprazole's generic options.
Pros
Dual delayed-release formula extends acid suppression
Can be taken any time of day, regardless of meals
Simple once-daily dosing for most patients
Cons
Roughly $270 to $470 per month without insurance, before savings programs
Only available as an oral capsule, no IV or liquid option
Not approved for children under 12
Pantoprazole
Pantoprazole comes in tablet, oral suspension, and IV forms, giving more flexibility for patients who cannot take pills. It is also available as a low-cost generic, though it must be taken before a meal and is not meant for immediate heartburn relief.
Pros
Roughly $10 to $170 per month as a generic, before savings programs
Available in tablet, oral suspension, and IV forms
Approved for children as young as 5 years old
Cons
Must be taken before a meal for best effect
Not approved to relieve sudden heartburn symptoms
No dual-release delivery like Dexilant's
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