General information

Aciphex belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI). It decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Its main component is rabeprazole. It is used to treat acid-related stomach/intestinal and throat (esophagus) problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It can also prevent serious acid damage to your digestive system. Aciphex may also be used in combination with antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers caused by bacterial infection.

Directions

Take Aciphex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medicine with a full glass of water with or without food. Take this medication by mouth usually once daily. Use it at the same time each day. Do not crush, chew, or split it. Aciphex is usually given for 4 to 8 weeks only. When treating H. pylori infection, Aciphex may be needed for only 7 days. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are taking Aciphex.

Precautions

Before taking Aciphex tell your doctor if you have severe liver disease, other stomach problems or low magnesium levels in your blood. Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Contraindications

Aciphex is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to rabeprazole, substituted benzimidazoles or to any component of the drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

This medication is generally well tolerated. But get emergency medical help if you have: symptoms of low magnesium (uneven heart rate, seizure, dizziness, muscle weakness, cough), allergic reaction (swelling of your face, lips, difficulty breathing, hives). Less serious Aciphex side effects may include: itching, nervousness, diarrhea, headache, rash, upset stomach, insomnia. If you notice other effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially: digoxin, cyclosporin, diuretics, atazanavir, blood thinner (warfarin), clopidogrel. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor first.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

The overdose symptoms are unknown. If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.