Aciphex (rabeprazole) belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Aciphex decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Aciphex is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).
Aciphex may also be given with an antibiotic to prevent gastric ulcer caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
Aciphex is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.
The health and medical information provided here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of this medicine is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.
You should not use Aciphex if you are allergic to rabeprazole or to similar medicines such as lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), or pantoprazole (Protonix). Rabeprazole is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.
Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.
Some conditions are treated with a combination of Aciphex and antibiotics. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor`s advice.
Take Aciphex for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Aciphex: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious Aciphex side effects may include:
headache;
upset stomach or diarrhea;
insomnia or nervousness; or
a rash or itching.
Take Aciphex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Aciphex is usually given for 4 to 8 weeks only. Your doctor may recommend a second course of treatment if you need additional healing time.
When treating H. pylori infection, Aciphex may be needed for only 7 days. Follow your doctor`s instructions.
Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Aciphex may be taken with or without food.
Do not crush, break, or chew a Aciphex tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are taking Aciphex.
