Aciphex (Rabeprazole)

Description

Aciphex is a proton pump inhibitor class of drug that uses rabeprazole as the main ingredient. It can be used to reduce acid production in the stomach.

 

Aciphex is used in the treatment of GERD in both adults and young children. It can also be used to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis, gastric ulcers and other acid related diseases.

 

It must not be used in the treatment of symptoms of heartburn.

 

 

 

Important data

 

Do not take Aciphex if you have allergies to the main ingredients. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to other GERD treatments like Nexium and Prevacid, refrain from taking this.

 

Do not let the symptoms of heartburn and heart attacks confuse you. Get emergency medical attention if you have spreading pain in your arm and shoulder, chest pains, nausea and sweating.

 

Depending on your condition, Aciphex may be prescribed to you in conjunction with other antibiotics. Take them all as you have been directed.

 

Do not stop taking Aciphex if your symptoms are gone before the dosing period is over. Continue the course until the end.

 

Tell your doctor immediately if you have severe hepatic conditions, bone diseases and magnesium level conditions.

 

PPIs like Aciphex and Nexium may be related to an increase in the risk of hip, spine and wrist fractures. While this hasn’t been proven, there appears to be a correlation.

 

This drug is not thought to be harmful to unborn children. However, you have to tell your doctor about current or upcoming pregnancy.

 

The tendency of Aciphex to transfer into a mother’s milk and so on into a nursing child is unknown. Tell a doctor if you are currently nursing a baby.

 

Dosage

 

The standard dosage of Aciphex is once daily. Make sure you stick to your prescription. Never take the drug in larger (or smaller) doses than you have been told to.

 

A typical course of Aciphex treatment runs for 1 or 2 months. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be prescribed another dose after this is over.

 

If Aciphex is being used for the treatment of an infection caused by the H. pylori bacteria, you may only need to take the drug for one week.

 

Always take Aciphex pills with a full glass of water.

 

Mealtimes are not a problem when you are taking Aciphex. However, if you are on the delayed-release type, try to take it at least half an hour before solid food.

 

Never crush, break or chew an Aciphex pill. Swallow it whole with the glass of water.

 

Aciphex Sprinkle is a version of the delayed release capsule that can be opened and sprinkled onto soft food. It still should not be chewed, but swallowed.

 

The shelf life of the opened mixture is about 15 minutes, so take it immediately.

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss a dose of Aciphex, take it as soon as you know. If you are about to take the next dose, ignore the one you missed. Never take double doses to make up for a missed one.

 

If you overdose on this medication, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Headache
 Pain
 Sore throat
 Gas
 Diarrhea or constipation
 Infection symptoms

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Allergic reaction
 Severe, bloody diarrhea
 Seizures
 Kidney problems
 Low magnesium levels

 

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these side effects.

 

Contraindications

 

 Do not take anti-diarrhea medication with Aciphex.

 

 Stop taking it immediately if you have an allergic reaction.

 

 Do not take with HIV medication, other GERD medication and antibiotics without your physician’s prescription.