Deltone (Dexlansoprazole 30mg) Capsules

Deltone general information

What is Deltone used for?

You may have experienced a burning feeling at the back of your throat or discomfort and mild pain at the top of your chest.  You probably have heartburn, caused by too much stomach acid.  If heartburn happens regularly and continues for some time, it could be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or GORD), which is a more serious condition.  GERD is acid reflux or regurgitation of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus and up to the back of your throat.  Deltone capsules 30mg are used to treat GERD and relieve acid reflux symptoms. 

What causes GERD

The first stage of protein digestion takes place in your stomach.  Acid is needed to break down proteins so that you can absorb the nutrients they provide.  Gastric acid is generated by specialized cells in the stomach wall called parietal cells, and these cells pump acid into the stomach using proton pumps.  This process is dependent on the action of the enzyme H⁺/K⁺-ATPase (which is the proton pump in the parietal cells) for pumping positive hydrogen ions out of the parietal cells into the stomach.  In the stomach, hydrogen ions combine with negative chlorine ions to generate hydrochloric acid and increase the acidity of the stomach contents.  

Food enters the stomach through a valve at the base of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter.  This sphincter is a ring of muscle that lies at the junction of the esophagus and stomach.  It acts as a one-way valve to prevent the backflow of stomach contents into the throat after food has entered into the stomach. 

If this valve is damaged or does not function properly by opening too often or not closing completely, acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing reflux.  This can eventually damage the esophagus, causing inflammation of the esophageal lining, leading to esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus).

Risk factors for GERD

Risk factors for developing GERD include smoking, obesity, and being pregnant; also, tight clothing around the waist as this can cause pressure on the stomach.  Some foods can trigger reflux, such as spicy, fried or fatty foods, caffeine and alcoholic drinks, acidic fruits and vegetables like citrus and tomatoes. 

How does Deltone work?

Deltone capsules 30mg contain dexlansoprazole, a new-generation proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is used to treat conditions caused by excess gastric acid.  Dexlansoprazole works by reducing the amount of gastric acid released into the stomach and has a new formulation for a 2-staged release.

Dexlansoprazole in Deltone capsules 30mg inhibits the functioning of the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase, which prevents acid secretion by blocking the source of acid production.  Dexlansoprazole is a new generation PPI because it has a different mechanism of action to other PPIs.  Older PPI drugs release the active ingredient in the stomach, where they need an acid environment to be activated, and they only work once, following a meal.  They also stay in the circulation for a shorter time than dexlansoprazole.

Dexlansoprazole in Deltone capsules 30mg 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 of the drug is within one hour in the first part of the small intestine (proximal duodenum).  The second release is four to five hours later in the last part of the small intestine (distal duodenum). 

This dual delayed-release mechanism means there are now two peak levels of the drug in the blood circulation, and the time it remains in the circulation is increased.  This improves the efficiency of your medication in blocking acid production and provides longer-lasting relief from symptoms for up to 24 hours.  

You do not need to restrict taking your medication to mealtimes.  It will work at any time and does not need to be activated in the stomach after a meal. 

Deltone capsules 30mg are effective in treating symptoms of GERD, including reflux and heartburn, before the condition gets worse and causes erosion of the esophagus, leading to esophagitis.  Treatment with Deltone also allows damage to the esophagus, caused by erosive esophagitis, to heal and maintains the healing process. 

What does Deltone contain?

Deltone capsules 30mg contain 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. 

What are the side effects of Deltone?

Most medications have some side effects, but they are not experienced by everyone.  Some side effects are commonly experienced when taking Deltone, but others are not so common, and you should discuss any problems or concerns with your primary care physician. 

Common side effects when taking Deltone include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, wind (flatulence), upper respiratory tract infection.

When should Deltone not be used?

Have a talk with your primary healthcare physician before taking Deltone so that you have a full understanding of what this medicine is for and how to use it.  There are some reasons for not taking a medication; these are called contraindications, and for Deltone you should consider the following before taking Deltone:

• Have you ever had an unusual reaction or an allergy when taking Deltone?
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Do you have any problems with your kidneys or your liver?
• Do you have osteoporosis or are taking corticosteroids, as Deltone can increase the risk of osteoporosis?
• Do you have the autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), as Deltone could make this worse?
• Do you have a vitamin B12 deficiency as Deltone could make this worse?

What medications interact with Deltone?

Some medicines interact with Deltone capsules 30mg and may affect the way it works, or are affected by Deltone or increase side effects; you should discuss possible interactions with your primary care physician.  These may include the anticoagulant warfarin, the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole, the antiretroviral atazanavir, the immunosuppressant methotrexate, the cancer medication dasatinib, the anti-infective rifampin, St John’s wort for depression

If other medications may interact with Deltone, your doctor will discuss these with you. 

How should Deltone be taken and for how long?

You should take your Deltone capsules 30mg 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, such as one tablespoon of apple sauce, and eat it 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 30mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually 4 weeks up to 6 months, depending on your condition.

Missed dose of Deltone

If you miss a dose of Deltone capsules 30mg 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 30mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.