AcipHex

Aciphex belongs to the class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI). It is an oral medication used to treat medical conditions which occurred as a result of acid. Proton pump inhibitors serve to hinder the production of acid in the stomach. Rabeprazole, the generic name of Aciphex, works to block the enzyme found on the stomach walls. Thus, the production and secretion of acid is reduced, allowing the healing of the ulcers in the esophagus and stomach becomes possible.

Aciphex is a prescription medication for ulcerative or erosive gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, and ulcers of the duodenum and stomach. Along with antibiotics, Aciphex also work against the stomach’s Helicobacter pylori infections. Such infections, in combination with acid, are the major causes of several ulcers.

Aciphex 20 mg is the recommended dosage for adults with erosive or ulcerative GERD. This should be taken every day for a period of 4 to 8 weeks. If healing has not been achieved at the end of 8 weeks, the use of Aciphex medicine may be extended for another 8 weeks. Heartburn caused by GERD can be addressed with 20 mg Aciphex every day for a span of 4 weeks, and an extension of 4 weeks for those whose symptoms have not been resolved. Ulcers are likewise treated with the same dosage and the same duration. For Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, a 60-mg initial dose is typically prescribed for adults. However, adjustments in dosage may be done according to the development of symptoms, acid suppression efficiency, and ulcer healing. Patients should not crush, chew, or split the tablets, but should swallow them whole instead. Aciphex may be taken before or after meals, since food does not play a big role on its absorption.

Some reports revealed that rabeprazole heightens the effect of warfarin, a blood thinning drug. Theoretically, the combination of these two drugs are said to result in increased bleeding. Patients who are under warfarin should be checked on more often if they start taking rabeprazole, like Aciphex.

Since Aciphex tends to lower the acid level of the stomach, other medications may interact with Aciphex. Thus, to be on the safe side, review every medication you have with your health care professional, including the ones you are taking without a doctor’s prescription. It is also necessary to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, have plans on becoming one, or are nursing your baby.

Aciphex, like most proton pump inhibitors (PPI), are typically well tolerated. The most common Aciphex side effects are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headaches, and rash. Other side effects have been reported, but rarely happen. These are: abnormal heartbeat, weakness, water retention, nervousness, leg cramps, dizziness, and muscle pain.

Rabeprazole sodium is the active ingredient in Aciphex tablets. This particular medication is available as delayed-release tablets to be administered to patients orally. Inactive ingredients include crospovidone, camauba wax, ethylcellulose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc, sodium hydroxide, diacetylated monoglycerides, sodium stearyl fumarate, titanium dioxide, hypromellose phthalate, and coloring agent in the form of yellow ferric oxide.

Doctors warn patients against the use of Aciphex of they are allergic to any of the ingredients comprising the drug. Further, patients with severe liver issues or those with certain food, medicine, or other allergies, should inform their health care professionals about them. Since there are some medicines that may interact with Aciphex, patients should discuss all medications with their doctors before they start taking Aciphex.

Treatment with Aciphex also means avoiding sun exposure. Sunscreen and protective clothing should be used when outdoors for prolonged periods. Otherwise, the drug will not serve to offer the expected results.