Deltone (Dexlansoprazole 60mg)

Deltone general information

What is Deltone used for?

Deltone capsules 60mg are used to treat conditions caused by gastric reflux (acid regurgitation), which is when the acidic contents of the stomach flow back into the oesophagus because the sphincter (muscle at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach) that normally acts as a one-way valve and prevents backflow of stomach contents into the throat, does not function properly or is damaged.  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), as this condition is known, causes symptoms like heartburn and dyspepsia (indigestion and abdominal pain) and Deltone capsules 60mg provide relief from symptoms during a short-term treatment.  Deltone capsules 60mg are also used to treat erosive reflux oesophagitis which is when reflux causes inflammation and damage to the oesophagus.  Treatment with Deltone capsules 60mg allows the damaged oesophagus to heal and helps maintain the healing process.

How does Deltone work?

Deltone capsules 60mg contain dexlansoprazole, a new-generation proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is used to treat conditions caused by excess gastric acid, by reducing the amount of gastric acid released into the stomach.  Stomach acid is needed for digestion of proteins in the diet and is made by the parietal cells of the stomach wall.  Gastric acid production is dependent on the action of the enzyme H⁺/K⁺-ATPase, which is the proton pump responsible for pumping positive hydrogen ions out of the cells into the stomach; and this increases the acidity of the stomach contents.  Like all PPIs dexlansoprazole inhibits the functioning of the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase, which prevents acid secretion by blocking the source of acid production.  Previous generations of PPIs are formulated for a single release in the parietal cells of the stomach, where they are most active in the acid environment. They also require activation following a meal and a have a short plasma half-life.  However, dexlansoprazole in Deltone capsules 60mg has a unique dual delayed-release delivery system.  Each Deltone capsule contains two types of granule which release the drug in two separate pH-dependent phases, in different parts of the small intestine, and at different times.  The first release is within one hour and the second release four to five hours later.  This dual-delayed release mechanism of dexlansoprazole in Deltone capsules 60mg improves the efficiency of proton pump inhibition, increases blood concentration of the drug, which now has two peak levels, and increases the time in the circulation so that its effect is longer lasting.  Also, Deltone capsules 60mg can be taken at any time, not just at meal times, as is required for other PPIs due to their release in the stomach^{1, 2}.

What does Deltone contain?

Deltone capsules 60mg contains the active ingredient dexlansoprazole, a new-generation proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is used to treat conditions caused by excess gastric acid, including reflux and oesophagitis. 

Treating gastric reflux disorders with Deltone

Deltone capsules 60mg contain ingredient dexlansoprazole, a new-generation proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is used to treat conditions caused by gastric reflux (acid regurgitation).  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) happens when the sphincter (muscle at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach) that normally acts as a one-way valve and prevents backflow of stomach contents into the throat, does not function properly or is damaged.  This causes symptoms like heartburn and dyspepsia (indigestion and abdominal pain).  A more serious condition is erosive reflux oesophagitis, when reflux causes inflammation and damage to the oesophagus.  Stomach acid is needed for digestion of proteins in the diet and is made by the parietal cells of the stomach wall.  Gastric acid production is dependent on the action of the enzyme H⁺/K⁺-ATPase, which is the proton pump responsible for pumping positive hydrogen ions out of the cells into the stomach; and this increases the acidity of the stomach contents.  Dexlansoprazole in Deltone capsules 60mg inhibits the functioning of the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase, which prevents acid secretion by blocking the source of acid production.  Unlike other PPIs, Deltone capsules 60mg contain two types of granule allowing for a unique dual delayed-release delivery system, in different parts of the small intestine, and at different times; the first release is within one hour and the second release four to five hours later, which provides improved efficiency of proton pump inhibition, increased blood concentration of the drug, which now has two peak levels, and increased time in the circulation so that its effect is longer lasting.  Also, Deltone capsules 60mg can be taken at any time, not just at meal times as is required for other PPIs due to their release in the stomach.  Deltone capsules 60mg provide relief from symptoms of GORD; they also allow the damaged oesophagus to heal and help maintain the healing process.

What are the side effects of Deltone?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Deltone capsules 60mg include, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, wind (flatulence), constipation, headache.

When should Deltone not be used?

You should not use Deltone capsules 60mg if you:

• are allergic to dexlansoprazole or any ingredients in Deltone
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease, without discussion with your doctor
• have osteoporosis or taking corticosteroids, without discussion with your doctor, as Deltone can increase risk of osteporosis
• are taking the anticoagulant warfarin, without discussion with your doctor
• are taking medicines that interact with Deltone the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole, the antiretroviral atazanavir

What medications interact with Deltone?

Several medications interact with Deltone capsules 60mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Deltone or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that affect Deltone: the antidepressant fluvoxamine, the antibacterial rifampicin, St John´s wort
• Drugs that are affected by Deltone: the antiretroviral atazanav, the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole

How should Deltone be taken?

You should take your Deltone capsules 60mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food, once daily and at the same time each day.  If you have trouble swallowing capsules, you can sprinkle the contents of the capsule onto a soft food like one tablespoon of apple sauce and swallow immediately.  The dose you take and for how long depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation.  You should continue to take your Deltone capsules 60mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually four weeks up to 6 months, depending on your condition.

How long should you take Deltone?

You should continue to take your Deltone capsules 60mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually four weeks up to 6 months, depending on your condition.

Missed dose of Deltone

If you miss a dose of Deltone capsules 60mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Deltone be stored?

You should store your Deltone capsules 60mg below 25°C in a cool dry place. 

References

1. Behm BW, Peura DA. Dexlansoprazole MR for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011 Aug;5(4):439-45. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21780890
2. Skrzydło-Radomańska B, Radwan P.  Dexlansoprazole – a new-generation proton pump inhibitor Prz Gastroenterol 2015; 10 (4): 191–196