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Omeprazole vs. Dexilant

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Omeprazole (Prilosec) and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat conditions caused by too much stomach acid, such as GERD and heartburn. Omeprazole is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, while dexlansoprazole requires a prescription. Omeprazole can be used by adults and children, whereas dexlansoprazole is approved for adults and children 12 years and older. You need to take omeprazole 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, but dexlansoprazole can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. Omeprazole is available in various strengths and forms, including granules and orally disintegrating tablets, while dexlansoprazole is available as capsules that can be opened and mixed with applesauce or water. Both medications can cause side effects like stomach pain, headache, and nausea. Additionally, long-term use of both medications can lead to risks such as bone fractures and low magnesium levels.

Omeprazole

(Prilosec)

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Dexlansoprazole

(Dexilant)

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Summary for Omeprazole

Prescription or over-the-counter

Omeprazole (Prilosec) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Over-the-counter (OTC) omeprazole (Prilosec) can ease heartburn, while the prescription version can treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving too much stomach acid. Omeprazole (Prilosec) is taken by mouth, typically once daily 30 minutes before breakfast. Some of the more common side effects of omeprazole (Prilosec) include headache, stomach pain, and nausea. It's available as both brand name and generic medications.

Indications for Omeprazole

For adults only:

For adults and children:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Inflamed esophagus due to GERD

Pros and Cons for Omeprazole

Pros

  • Typically few to no noticeable day-to-day side effects
  • Provides longer-lasting relief than some other heartburn medications
  • Can use for adults, as well as children with certain medical conditions
  • Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options

Cons

Common Side Effects for Omeprazole

Adults

  • Headache (7%)
  • Belly pain (5%)
  • Nausea (4%)
  • Diarrhea (4%)
  • Vomiting (3%)
  • Passing gas (3%)

Children — similar to the above, with the addition of:

  • Respiratory system problems (up to 75%)
  • Fever (up to 33%)
  • Ear infection (up to 22%)

Warnings for Omeprazole

  • Risk of hiding symptoms of a more serious problem
  • Sudden kidney problems
  • Severe infectious diarrhea
  • Bone fractures
  • Skin reactions
  • Lupus
  • Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
  • Interaction with other medications
  • Inaccurate lab work

Summary for Dexilant

Prescription only

Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) is a prescription medication used to treat conditions caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It's a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which means it blocks acid from "getting pumped" into the stomach. Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) can be taken by adults and children ages 12 years and older. It's typically taken once daily, with or without food. Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) doesn't cause many side effects, but some of the more common ones include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.

Indications for Dexilant

Pros and Cons for Dexilant

Pros

  • Can take with or without food
  • Only taken once a day
  • Granules inside the capsules can be mixed with water or applesauce, so convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
  • FDA-approved for children age 12 and older

Cons

  • Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fracture(s)
  • Might cause a false-positive urine drug test
  • Not safe for people with severe liver problems
  • Can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels

Common Side Effects for Dexilant

Adults

  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Belly pain (4%)
  • Nausea (3%)

Children

  • Headache (more than 5%)
  • Belly pain (more than 5%)
  • Diarrhea (more than 5%)
  • Common cold (more than 5%)
  • Mouth and throat pain (more than 5%)

Warnings for Dexilant

  • Risk of hiding symptoms of a more serious condition
  • Sudden kidney problems
  • Severe infectious diarrhea
  • Bone fractures
  • Skin reactions
  • Lupus
  • Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
  • Interaction with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Omeprazole vs. Dexilant

Price Card Drug Icon
Omeprazole30 capsules / 40mg
$8.60$104.49
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Price Card Drug Icon
Dexlansoprazole30 capsules / 60mg
$88.71$95.95
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