Common use
Aciphex is an antiulcer medication which inhibits a proton pump (PPIs) and blocks the production of acid by the stomach. Biochemically it blocks the (H+,K+)-ATPase enzyme system hereby inhibiting the final stage of hydrochloric acid production. After peroral intake of Aciphex antisecretorial effect is reached during one hour and is maximal in 2-4 hours. This medication is used to treat ulcers in stomach, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, to eradicate Helicobacter pylori in patients with ulcers in stomach or chronic gastritis.

Dosage and directions

Dosage should be administered by your doctor depending on your condition. Usually in patients with an acute duodenal ulcer and c it is recommended to take 1 tab (20 mg) in the morning one time a day during 4-6 weeks. When treating H. pylori infection, Aciphex may be needed for only a week. Follow all recommendations of your doctor and do not take this drug in larger amounts than it was prescribed to you. Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush, split or chew them. Take Aciphex with or without meals with a big glass of water since food has little effect on its absorption.

Precautions

Notify your doctor if you have a severe liver disease, cancer of stomach before taking this drug. The use of Aciphex in children is not recommended. It is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, though inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some conditions are treated with a combination of Aciphex and antibiotics, so to achieve the maximal effect from treatment, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor.

Contraindications

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, hypersensitivity to Aciphex or a substituted benzimidazoles: omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and esomeprazole (Nexium).

Possible side effects

Together with symptoms of allergy (hives, rash, swelling of tongue and face) the following side effects may occur: headache, dizziness, dry mouth, upset stomach or diarrhea, constipation, insomnia, nervousness, rash, or itching. Contact your doctor for help if any of the listed side effects is severe or persistent.

Drug interaction

Co-administration with the medications which absorption depends on acidity of the stomach causes interaction of medications. Aciphex and other PPIs reduce the absorption and concentration in blood of ketoconazole (Nizoral) and increase the absorption and concentration in blood of digoxin (Lanoxin) causing reduction of effectiveness of the former and increase of toxicity of the latter.

Missed dose

If you missed a dose take the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose just skip its intake and return to your regular schedule.

Overdose

Symptoms of Aciphex overdose are unknown. If you consider that you took too much of the drug seek emergency medical attention.

Storage
Store at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Please find the full description of Aciphex at Drugs.com and general information at Wikipedia