Prilosec vs. Dexilant
See how Prilosec and Dexilant compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Prilosec and Dexilant are both proton pump inhibitors that reduce stomach acid to treat GERD and erosive esophagitis, but Prilosec also covers ulcers and H. pylori infection while Dexilant does not.
Dexilant's dual-release formula allows once-daily dosing without regard to meal timing, while Prilosec generally works best taken before breakfast on an empty stomach.
Prilosec is available over the counter and typically costs far less per month than Dexilant, which is prescription-only.
Prilosec vs. Dexilant Drug Summary
Prilosec
Prilosec (omeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that lowers stomach acid to treat GERD, erosive esophagitis, ulcers, and H. pylori infection. It comes as a delayed-release capsule, tablet, or oral suspension and is taken once or twice daily depending on the condition. Prilosec is available both by prescription and over the counter.
Dexilant
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor used to heal erosive esophagitis, maintain that healing, and relieve symptoms of non-erosive GERD. It is a delayed-release capsule with a dual-release design that can be taken once daily regardless of meal timing. Dexilant is available by prescription only.
Prilosec vs. Dexilant Side Effects
Prilosec
Dexilant
Prilosec vs. Dexilant Dosage
Prilosec
Dexilant
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 120 mg three times daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 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 |
Prilosec
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 120 mg three times daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 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 |
Prilosec vs. Dexilant Indications
Prilosec
Prilosec treats a broad range of acid-related conditions, from everyday heartburn to ulcers and rare hypersecretory disorders. It is also used as part of combination therapy to eradicate H. pylori infection.
Duodenal and gastric ulcers
Erosive esophagitis from GERD
Maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis
Dexilant
Dexilant is approved to heal erosive esophagitis at any severity grade and to maintain that healing over time. It is also approved for symptomatic non-erosive GERD, but it does not treat ulcers or H. pylori infection.
Healing of erosive esophagitis (all grades)
Maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis
Symptomatic non-erosive GERD
Prilosec vs. Dexilant Pros and Cons
Prilosec
Prilosec has decades of use, treats the widest range of acid-related conditions, and is available both over the counter and by prescription. It generally costs far less per month than Dexilant, though it usually needs to be taken before a meal for full effect.
Pros
Available over the counter and by prescription
Broader FDA-approved uses, including ulcers and H. pylori
Roughly $15 to $95 per month without insurance
Cons
Best taken 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
Twice-daily dosing needed for the H. pylori regimen
Dose adjustment recommended for Asian patients
No dual-release technology for extended coverage
Dexilant
Dexilant's dual-release design keeps acid suppression going longer and lets it be taken without regard to food. It is a newer PPI with a narrower set of approved uses and a noticeably higher monthly cost than Prilosec.
Pros
Can be taken regardless of meal timing
Dual-release formula extends acid suppression
Simple once-daily dosing for every approved use
Cons
Roughly $270 to $470 per month without insurance
Not approved for ulcers or H. pylori eradication
Only available as a capsule, no other forms
Shorter track record than Prilosec (approved 2009)
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.