Prevacid vs. Dexilant
See how Prevacid and Dexilant compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Prevacid and Dexilant are both proton pump inhibitors that reduce stomach acid, but Prevacid is approved for a wider range of conditions, including ulcers and H. pylori eradication.
Dexilant uses a dual delayed-release formulation that provides two separate release phases, allowing once-daily dosing regardless of when you eat.
Prevacid comes in capsule, orally disintegrating tablet, and IV forms and is available over the counter, while Dexilant is only available as a prescription capsule.
Prevacid vs. Dexilant Drug Summary
Prevacid
Prevacid (lansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat GERD, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and H. pylori infection, and to manage conditions that cause excess stomach acid. It comes as a delayed-release capsule, an orally disintegrating tablet, or an IV injection, taken once or twice daily depending on what's being treated.
Dexilant
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor used to heal erosive esophagitis, maintain that healing, and relieve heartburn from non-erosive GERD. It's taken as a once-daily delayed-release capsule that releases medication in two phases, so it can be taken without regard to meal timing.
Prevacid vs. Dexilant Side Effects
Prevacid
Dexilant
Prevacid vs. Dexilant Dosage
Prevacid
Dexilant
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 15 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 60 mg once 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 |
Prevacid
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 15 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 60 mg once 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 |
Prevacid vs. Dexilant Indications
Prevacid
Prevacid treats a broad range of acid-related conditions, including duodenal and gastric ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and GERD. It's also used with antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection and to manage rare conditions that cause excess acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Duodenal and gastric ulcer healing
Erosive esophagitis healing and maintenance
GERD, short-term and maintenance
H. pylori eradication with antibiotics
Dexilant
Dexilant is approved to heal erosive esophagitis of any severity, maintain that healing, and relieve heartburn from non-erosive GERD. Its dual-release design extends acid suppression through the day, supporting healing across all esophagitis grades.
Healing of erosive esophagitis, all grades
Maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis
Relief of heartburn from erosive esophagitis
Treatment of symptomatic non-erosive GERD
Prevacid vs. Dexilant Pros and Cons
Prevacid
Prevacid has been on the market since 1995 and covers the widest range of FDA-approved uses among PPIs, including ulcer healing and H. pylori therapy. It's sold in several forms, and both prescription and over-the-counter versions are available.
Pros
Approved for the broadest range of uses, including ulcers and H. pylori
Available as capsule, orally disintegrating tablet, or IV injection
Available over the counter as well as by prescription
Long track record of use, FDA-approved since 1995
Cons
Requires twice-daily dosing for H. pylori therapy, a more complex regimen
Long-term use linked to increased risk of fundic gland polyps
Not approved for symptomatic GERD in infants under 1 year of age
Dexilant
Dexilant is a newer PPI built around a dual delayed-release system that keeps acid suppression steady throughout the day. Its approved uses are narrower, focused on erosive esophagitis and GERD, but its once-daily capsule works regardless of meal timing.
Pros
Dual delayed-release formulation extends acid suppression across the day
Can be taken without regard to meal timing
Simple once-daily dosing for every approved use
Only two dose strengths, making the regimen straightforward
Cons
Narrower range of approved uses, limited to esophagitis and GERD
Not approved for ulcer healing or H. pylori eradication
Only available as a capsule, with no IV or dissolving tablet option
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