Aciphex (Rabeprazole)

        Aciphex is an antiulcer medication which inhibits a proton pump (PPIs) and blocks the production of acid by the stomach. Biochemically it blocks the (H+, K+)-ATPase enzyme system hereby inhibiting the final stage of hydrochloric acid production. After peroral intake of Aciphex antisecretory effect is reached during one hour and is maximal in 2-4 hours. This medication is used to treat ulcers in stomach, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, to eradicate Helicobacter pylori in patients with ulcers in the stomach or chronic gastritis.

        Dosage should be administered by your doctor depending on your condition. Usually, in patients with an acute duodenal ulcer and c it is recommended to take 1 tab (20 mg) in morning one time a day during 4-6 weeks. When treating H. pylori infection, Aciphex may be needed for only a week. Follow all recommendations of your doctor and do not take this drug in larger amounts than it was prescribed to you. Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush, split or chew them. Take Aciphex with or without meals with a big glass of water since food has little effect on its absorption.

        Notify your doctor if you have severe liver disease, cancer of stomach before to take this drug. Use of Aciphex in children is not recommended. It is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, though inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some conditions are treated with a combination of Aciphex and antibiotics, so to achieve maximal effect from treatment, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor.

        Pregnancy, breastfeeding, hypersensitivity to Aciphex or substituted benzimidazole: omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and esomeprazole (Nexium).

        Together with symptoms of allergy (hives, rash, swelling of tongue and face), such side effects may occur headache, dizziness, dry mouth, upset stomach or diarrhoea, constipation, insomnia, nervousness, rash, or itching. Contact your doctor for help if any of the listed side effects is severe or persistent.

        Co-administration with the medications which absorption depends on acidity of the stomach causes interaction of medications. Aciphex and other PPIs reduce the absorption and concentration in blood of ketoconazole (Nizoral) and increase the absorption and concentration in blood of digoxin (Lanoxin) causing reduction of effectiveness of the former and increase of toxicity of the latter.

        If you missed a dose take the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time of your next dose just skip its intake and return to your regular schedule.

        Symptoms of Aciphex overdose are unknown. If you consider that you took too much of the drug seek emergency medical attention.

        Store at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets.