Rabeprazole / Aciphex is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat certain conditions in which there is too much acid in the stomach. It is used to treat duodenal ulcers and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which the acid in the stomach washes back up into the esophagus. Rabeprazole / Aciphex is also used to treat Zollinger-Ellison disease, a condition in which the stomach produces too much acid. Sometimes rabeprazole is used along with antibiotics including amoxicillin and clarithromycin to treat ulcers associated with infection caused by the H. pylori bacteria (germ).
Precautions
Before taking Rabeprazole / Aciphex,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rabeprazole, lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Lanoxin), and ketoconazole (Nizoral). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking rabeprazole, call your doctor.
Dosage and Administration
Patients are advised to swallow the tablets whole, do not chew or crush the tablets.
When taking Rabeprazole / Aciphex, always follow the directions of your Doctor. However the following dosage recommendations are given as a guide to taking this medicine.
Active Duodenal Ulcer and Active Benign Gastric Ulcer
The recommended dose is 20mg to be taken once daily in the morning.
Erosive or Ulcerative Gastro-Eesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The recommended dose is 20mg to be taken once daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
Gastro-Eesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) long term management
A maintenance dose of 10mg or 20mg once daily can be used depending on the patient response.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
The recommended starting dose is 60mg once daily. The dose may be titrated upwards to 120mg daily based on individual patient needs. Single daily doses up to 100mg may be given. 120mg doses may require divided doses, 60mg twice daily. Treatment should continue for as long as clinically indicated.
Eradication of H. pylori
The following combination given for 7 days is recommended. Rabeprazole / Aciphex 20mg twice daily, clarithromycin 500mg twice daily and amoxicillin 1g twice daily.
Side Effects
Rabeprazole / Aciphex may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- constipation
- dry mouth
- increased or decreased appetite
- muscle or bone pain
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
There may be other side effects from Rabeprazole / Aciphex. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
If you take too much (Overdose)
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature at 77°F (25°C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light.
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