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

Most common
abdominal pain (≥2%)
vomiting (≥2%)
nausea (≥2%)
diarrhea (≥2%)

Pantoprazole

Most common
abdominal pain (up to 6.2%)
vomiting (up to 4.3%)
nausea (up to 7%)
diarrhea (up to 8.8%)

Dexilant vs. Pantoprazole Dosage

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

Pantoprazole

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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