About Aciphex

AcipHex - or rabeprazole sodium which is the drug`s generic name - is used to block the ensyme responsible for stomach acid production. With the help of AcipHex, within one hour of ingestion the stomach produces less acid.

Uses or Indications

As a prescriptive drug, AcipHex should be taken only after the doctor`s consultation. The medication is applied to treat esophagus inflammation and sores, as well as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
AcipHex can also be used by patients with duodenal ulcers or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome which results in excessive acid formation in the stomach.
Moreover, some doctors prescribe to combine the drug with such antibiotics as clarithromycin and amoxicillin to kill digestive infections. Thus AcipHex is an effective remedy for H. pylori bacteria that causes persistent ulcers.

How to take Aciphex

The tablet of AcipHex should be taken once a day, without chewing or splitting it - just swallow the drug with or without food. It can be combined with antacids. If during AcipHex therapy the patient also uses clarithromycin and amoxicillin, this regimen should be taken two times a day (morning and evening) with food.

Side Effects

About 2% of people taking AcipHex suffer from headache, which can be perceived the most widespread side effect of the drug. If it is just your case, consult with your doctor immediately to know whether you can keep on taking AcipHex or not.

Drug Precautions

• In case AcipHex results in an allergic reaction, you should seek medical help.
• If you take AcipHex to treat stomach ulcers provoked by H. pylori bacteria, get ready to slight health complications. Usually before prescribing AcipHex along with antibiotics the doctor makes the patient pass a test. Once your test is positive, you can take the drug without hesitation.
• AcipHex can be helpful even if the pain results from stomach cancer, but the doctor has to establish cancer as the cause first.
• The effect of AcipHex on pregnant women hasn`t been tested properly yet. That is why, if you are pregnant you shouldn`t take the medication without consulting with the doctor; otherwise AcipHex may have a negative impact on breast milk.
• Basically AcipHex is prescribed for those people who are at least 18 years old.

Drug Interaction

If you are going to combine AcipHex with other drugs, especially with such as Digoxin, Warfarin, Ketoconazole, Cyclosporine, see your doctor first.

Missed Dose

In case you missed one dose, take AcipHex as soon as you remember. But if it is too late, and the next dose should be taken, don`t try to repair the omission by taking two doses at once. Take one and after that return to your usual schedule.

Overdose

The issue hasn`t been studied much yet; however, like with any other prescriptive medication, the overuse of AcipHex may be dangerous and should be avoided.

Storage

The drug should be protected from moisture. Store it in a tight container keeping room temperature.