Indications
Aciphex (active ingredient: rabeprazole) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Aciphex is used to treat symptoms of GERD, including heartburn and acid regurgitation.
- Erosive Esophagitis: It is indicated for the healing and maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the esophagus caused by stomach acid.
- Helicobacter pylori Eradication: Aciphex is prescribed as part of a combination therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori bacteria in patients with duodenal ulcers associated with H. pylori infection.
Aciphex belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which work by reducing the production of stomach acid to alleviate symptoms of acid-related conditions and promote healing of the esophagus.
Uses and Dosage
Rabeprazole comes in the form of a Delayed Release Tablet that is to be taken by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times daily. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and never crushed, chewed, or split as this can release all the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
The dosage of rabeprazole (Aciphex) can vary from person to person. The dose depends on the condition being treated, the strength of the medication, age, and weight.
- For most indications, rabeprazole (Aciphex) is meant to be used for up to 8 weeks.
- For healing and symptomatic relief of duodenal ulcers, the recommended dosage is 20 mg once a day after the morning meal for up to 4 weeks.
- For Helicobacter pylori eradication: The typical dose is 20 mg by mouth twice a day with morning and evening meals for 7 days. Rabeprazole (Aciphex) should be taken at the same time as the antibiotics you will also need to take.
- Excessive stomach acid (i.e., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome): The typical starting dose is 60 mg by mouth once a day.
- For the healing of erosive or ulcerative GERD: the dosage is 20 mg once a day for 4-8 weeks, and if not healed after 8 weeks, an additional 8-week course may be considered. Maintenance dosing (20 mg/day for up to 12 months) has been shown to reduce relapse rates.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Aciphex Include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea and gas
- Headache
- Infection
- Nausea
- Pain
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Aciphex Including:
- Blood in your urine
- Bloody diarrhea
- Bloody or tarry stool
- Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Difficult to control bleeding
- Difficulty swallowing or choking
- Fast or irregular heart rate
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Muscle cramps or spasms in your hands or feet
- Rapid weight gain
- Red or pink urine
- Seizure (convulsions)
- Severe stomach pain
- Shaking or jerking muscle movements (tremors)
- Sudden pain or difficulty moving hip, wrist or back
- Unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, gums)
- Urinating less than usual
Form and Strength
Aciphex and its generic alternative of Rabeprazole are available in the following forms and strengths:
Aciphex: Delayed Release Tablet
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
Rabeprazole: Delayed Release Tablet
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
Caution
- Do not use Rabeprazole if you are allergic to rabeprazole or to any of the other medicines listed above (such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, and others).
- Do not use Rabeprazole if you also take any medicine that contains rilpivirine (Edurant), Complera, Juluca, Odefsey) or if you had breathing problems, kidney problems, or a severe allergic reaction after taking rabeprazole in the past.
- Talk to your doctor before taking rabeprazole (Aciphex) if you have any allergies, kidney or liver problems, or any other medical conditions.
- Do not take more than the prescribed dose and do not take it for longer than recommended.
- Do not take rabeprazole (Aciphex) if you are taking any other medications for stomach ulcers, heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking rabeprazole (Aciphex).
- Do not crush or split the tablets.
- Take rabeprazole (Aciphex) 30 minutes before a meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is rabeprazole (Aciphex)?
Rabeprazole (Aciphex) is a delayed-release tablet indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenal ulcer, and Helicobacter pylori infection.
How long can you take rabeprazole (Aciphex)?
For most indications, rabeprazole (Aciphex) is meant to be used for up to 8 weeks.
How long does it take for Aciphex to start working?
Aciphex starts to work within 24 hours of taking it, but it may take up to four days for full relief of symptoms.
How good is Aciphex?
Aciphex has an average rating of 9.2 out of 10 from a total of 54 ratings on Drugs.com. 92% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 2% reported a negative experience.
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