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Protonix vs. Dexilant

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

Key takeaways

Pantoprazole (Protonix) and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat conditions caused by too much stomach acid, such as GERD and erosive esophagitis. Pantoprazole (Protonix) is available in both oral and intravenous forms, while dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) is only available in an oral form. Pantoprazole (Protonix) can be used in children as young as 5 years old, whereas dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) is approved for children 12 years and older. Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) is typically taken once daily, with or without food. Pantoprazole (Protonix) is also taken once daily but can be taken twice daily for certain conditions. Both medications are available as a generic, and have similar side effects, such as diarrhea and stomach pain. Additionally, both medications can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels if taken long-term, and they can interact with other medications, such as warfarin and rilpivirine.

Pantoprazole

(Protonix)

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Dexlansoprazole

(Dexilant)

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Summary for Protonix

Prescription only

Pantoprazole (Protonix) is a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). It's used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and children. It's also used to treat other conditions involving too much stomach acid, such as erosive esophagitis, in adults only. Pantoprazole (Protonix) is taken by mouth, typically once daily for most conditions. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include headache and diarrhea. Pantoprazole (Protonix) isn't available over-the-counter (OTC).

Indications for Protonix

Pros and Cons for Protonix

Pros

  • Can continue to use with antacids, such as calcium carbonate
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Oral tablets can be taken without regard to food
  • Available in oral granules and suspension for people with trouble swallowing

Cons

  • Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fractures
  • Might cause or worsen lupus
  • Interacts with warfarin (Coumadin), which can raise the risk of bleeding
  • Not available over-the-counter

Common Side Effects for Protonix

  • Headache (12%)
  • Diarrhea (9%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Belly pain (6%)

Please note: Side effect percentages are listed for adults with GERD.

Warnings for Protonix

  • 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 Protonix vs. Dexilant

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Pantoprazole30 tablets / 40mg
$9.87$16.47
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Price Card Drug Icon
Dexlansoprazole30 capsules / 60mg
$88.71$98.15
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