Alternative ways to administer GERD medication

Swallowing Difficult? How to Get Your GERD Meds Down

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals effective alternative methods for administering dexlansoprazole, ensuring you get the relief you need, even if you can't swallow pills."

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects millions, causing heartburn and discomfort. Effective management often relies on medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), with dexlansoprazole being a common choice. However, many individuals, particularly those with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), struggle to take pills or capsules, creating a barrier to much-needed relief.

Traditionally, PPIs, including dexlansoprazole, are designed to be swallowed whole. But what happens when that's not possible? Crushing pills isn't always an option, as it can affect how the medication works. This is where alternative administration methods come in, offering a practical solution for those who can't swallow pills due to various conditions.

A recent study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology, explores whether dexlansoprazole can be given effectively via a nasogastric (NG) tube or orally using a syringe. The findings offer a promising alternative for patients with dysphagia, ensuring they receive the medication they need without compromising its effectiveness.

Dexlansoprazole: Beyond the Pill

Alternative ways to administer GERD medication

The study, an open-label, Phase I crossover trial, investigated the bioavailability of dexlansoprazole when administered in different ways. Researchers compared the standard intact capsule with two alternative methods:

Dexlansoprazole (60mg) was administered in the following ways:

Granules mixed with water, then given through a 16 French nasogastric tube.
Granules mixed with water, then administered orally via a syringe.
An intact capsule swallowed with water (the standard method).

Blood samples were collected to measure dexlansoprazole levels, allowing researchers to determine how well the drug was absorbed and utilized by the body via each method. The goal was to see if the alternative routes were as effective as swallowing the capsule whole.

The Takeaway: Effective Relief, No Matter How You Take It

The study revealed that dexlansoprazole is just as effective whether it’s administered as an intact capsule, via an NG tube, or orally with a syringe. The key measurements, including the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), were similar across all three methods.

This is great news for people who find it hard to swallow pills. It means they can still get the benefits of dexlansoprazole without needing to swallow a capsule. The study also noted that the side effects were similar no matter how the drug was given, and they were generally mild.

If you have GERD and trouble swallowing, talk to your doctor. This study shows that there are other ways to take dexlansoprazole that might work better for you. You don’t have to suffer in silence – effective relief is possible, regardless of how you take your meds.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2147/ceg.s138580, Alternate LINK

Title: Bioavailability Of Dexlansoprazole Delayed-Release Capsule Granules When Administered Via Nasogastric Tube Or Orally Via Syringe

Subject: Gastroenterology

Journal: Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Michael Kukulka, Sai Nudurupati, Maria Claudia Perez

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the alternative methods for taking dexlansoprazole if I can't swallow pills?

For individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills, such as those with dysphagia, dexlansoprazole can be administered effectively in two alternative ways: through a nasogastric (NG) tube or orally using a syringe. In both methods, the dexlansoprazole granules are mixed with water before administration. This ensures that patients who cannot swallow pills still receive the necessary medication to manage their GERD symptoms.

Can I just crush my dexlansoprazole capsule if I have trouble swallowing it?

Crushing dexlansoprazole capsules is generally not recommended because it can affect how the medication is designed to work. The study specifically looked at alternative methods to ensure the medication's effectiveness isn't compromised when swallowing the intact capsule isn't possible. The study showed administering dexlansoprazole granules mixed with water, either via a nasogastric tube or orally with a syringe, maintains its bioavailability.

What does bioavailability mean in the context of this dexlansoprazole study?

The study published in *Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology* assessed the bioavailability of dexlansoprazole when administered via a nasogastric tube or orally with a syringe, compared to swallowing the intact capsule. Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which the active drug ingredient is absorbed from a drug product and becomes available at the site of action in the body. The key measurements used to determine bioavailability in this study were the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax).

How effective is dexlansoprazole when taken through a nasogastric tube or with a syringe compared to swallowing a pill?

The study showed that dexlansoprazole's effectiveness remains consistent whether administered as an intact capsule, through a nasogastric tube, or orally via a syringe. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) were similar across all three methods, indicating that the drug is absorbed and utilized by the body equally well regardless of the administration method. This is crucial for patients who can't swallow pills, as it ensures they still receive the full benefits of the medication.

How was the dexlansoprazole study conducted to determine the effectiveness of alternative administration methods?

The study involved administering dexlansoprazole in three different ways: intact capsule swallowed with water (the standard method), granules mixed with water and given through a 16 French nasogastric tube, and granules mixed with water and administered orally via a syringe. Blood samples were then collected to measure dexlansoprazole levels, allowing researchers to determine how well the drug was absorbed and utilized by the body via each method. The findings confirmed that alternative methods are as effective as swallowing the capsule whole.