Can Dexilant Cause Constipation? Understanding the Link

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Dexilant are among the most widely used medications for acid-related disorders. While highly effective, a common question from patients is: can Dexilant cause constipation? This side effect is possible, though typically less frequent than other digestive issues.

Quick Summary

An examination of whether the proton pump inhibitor Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) lists constipation as a side effect and how it compares to other potential digestive issues like diarrhea and nausea.

Key Points

Is Constipation a Known Side Effect?: Yes, constipation is listed as a possible mild side effect of Dexilant (dexlansoprazole), though it's usually not the most common one reported.
How It Compares: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea are generally more frequently reported side effects of Dexilant than constipation is.
Potential Mechanism: PPIs like Dexilant reduce stomach acid, which may alter digestion, slow gastric emptying, and potentially affect bowel regularity.
Management Strategies: Increasing dietary fiber, drinking plenty of water, and regular physical activity are effective first-line strategies for managing medication-induced constipation.
A Class-Wide Effect: The potential for constipation is not unique to Dexilant; it is a known side effect across the entire class of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Long-Term Use: Chronic use of PPIs is associated with risks like vitamin B12 deficiency and low magnesium, which can also impact overall digestive health.
Consult Your Doctor: Never stop or change your medication dosage without first discussing your symptoms with your healthcare provider.

What is Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole)?

Dexilant, containing the active ingredient dexlansoprazole, is a prescription proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat conditions like GERD and erosive esophagitis by reducing stomach acid. It works by blocking the proton pumps in stomach cells responsible for acid secretion and features a dual delayed-release formulation for extended acid control.

Can Dexilant Cause Constipation?

Yes, constipation is a potential side effect of Dexilant, although it is not as common as other gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea, which are reported more frequently in clinical studies. The exact cause is unclear, but reducing stomach acid may alter digestion, potentially slowing gastric emptying. Long-term PPI use might also affect the gut microbiome and reduce magnesium absorption, which can impact bowel regularity.

Comparison of GI Side Effects: Dexilant vs. Other PPIs

All PPIs, including omeprazole, esomeprazole, and rabeprazole, share similar side effect profiles due to their common mechanism of action, and constipation is listed as a potential side effect for these as well. While individual responses vary, there is no definitive evidence that one PPI is significantly more or less likely to cause constipation than another, although some studies suggest dexlansoprazole may have fewer abdominal side effects in some individuals.


Medication	Common GI Side Effects	Notes
Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)	Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence	Constipation is a reported but less frequent side effect.
Esomeprazole (Nexium)	Headache, diarrhea, nausea, gas, abdominal pain, constipation	Side effect profile is very similar to other PPIs.
Omeprazole (Prilosec)	Headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting	Constipation affects a small percentage of users, around 1.5% in some reports.
Pantoprazole (Protonix)	Headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, gas	The risk of constipation is considered comparable to omeprazole.

Managing Constipation While Taking Dexilant

If you experience constipation while on Dexilant, consider lifestyle and dietary adjustments, but always consult your healthcare provider first. Increasing fiber intake from foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, staying well-hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity can help manage symptoms. If constipation persists, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter options like stool softeners or fiber supplements, or investigate other potential causes.

Long-Term Considerations and Alternatives

Long-term use of any PPI can be associated with potential risks such as bone fractures, low magnesium, and vitamin B12 deficiency. If side effects like constipation are bothersome, alternative treatments are available. These include switching to a different PPI, as individual tolerance varies, or considering H2 blockers like famotidine. Non-pharmacological approaches such as dietary changes, weight management, and lifestyle adjustments can also help manage GERD symptoms.

Conclusion

Dexilant is effective for acid control but can cause constipation, though it is generally less common than other GI side effects like diarrhea and nausea. This is a potential side effect shared by the PPI class of medications. Constipation while on Dexilant can often be managed with dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes. It is important to consult your healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe constipation to discuss management options and rule out other potential causes.

For more detailed information, you can review the official FDA label for Dexilant. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/208056lbl.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Constipation is considered a possible but less common side effect of Dexilant. Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain are reported more frequently.

No, you should not stop taking Dexilant without first consulting your healthcare provider. They can help you manage the side effect with lifestyle changes or determine if a different treatment is necessary.

The most commonly reported side effects of Dexilant include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, upper respiratory tract infections, vomiting, and flatulence (gas).

Yes, long-term use of PPIs like Dexilant can be associated with an increased risk of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, fundic gland polyps (stomach polyps), and vitamin B12 deficiency.

All proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) list constipation as a potential side effect. However, some individuals may tolerate one PPI better than another. Other classes of medication, like H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine), or non-pharmacological approaches might be options to discuss with your doctor.

Generally, over-the-counter options like fiber supplements or stool softeners can be used to manage constipation. However, it is best to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a recommendation that is safe to take with your other medications.

Higher doses of PPIs taken over a long period are associated with a greater risk of certain side effects, like bone fractures. While not specifically detailed for constipation, it is always recommended to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration.