What Is Aciphex (Rabeprazole)?
In people with GERD, stomach acid and occasionally other stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus (the tube connecting the throat and stomach). The condition causes heartburn and can damage the esophagus.
Aciphex belongs to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which inhibit an enzyme involved in producing acid in the stomach.
By reducing stomach acid, Aciphex relieves heartburn and other GERD symptoms of, such as belching and a bad taste in your throat. The drug also:
- Helps heal a damaged esophagus
- Prevents recurrence of heartburn symptoms
- Treats ulcers (open sores) in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine
- Helps to eliminate the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori from the intestinal tract
- Treats disorders that cause the stomach to produce excess acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Aciphex may be used to treat GERD in children between 1 and 11 years old, as well as heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD in adolescent children age 12 or older.
Aciphex was first was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999. Janssen Pharmaceuticals markets the drug.
In 2011, the consumer group Public Citizen petitioned the FDA to add black-box warnings to all PPIs, including Aciphex.
A black box warning - the strongest warning possible on a drug label - would inform the user that there is an increase in risk of severe side effects, such as Clostridium difficile infection, irregular heartbeat, and hip fracture.
It would also state that rebound acid reflux, an increase in stomach acid, may also occur when you stop taking the drug after prolonged use.
In 2014, Public Citizen filed a lawsuit against the FDA for its failure to respond to the petition.
Aciphex Warnings
You shouldnt take Aciphex if youre hypersensitive to rabeprazole or other substituted benzimidazoles.As with other PPIs, Aciphex may increase your risk of a C. difficile infection, which causes severe diarrhea. Call your doctor immediately if you have watery stool, stomach pain, or persistent fever or all three infection symptoms.
Aciphex may increase your risk of hip, wrist, or spine fracture if youre taking multiple doses a day. Additionally, prolonged use may cause a low magnesium level, which can lead to various symptoms. Inform your doctor if you experience:
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Abnormal heart rate
- Jitteriness
- Tremors (uncontrollable shaking)
- Muscle weakness
- Spasms in the hands, feet, or voice box (larynx)
- Cramps or muscle aches
Pregnancy and Aciphex
Aciphex is a Pregnancy Category B drug. There is no evidence in animal studies that the drug harms developing fetuses, but research in pregnant women is inconclusive.You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking this medicine.
Aciphex is excreted in rat milk, but its not known if the same is true for human breast milk. You shouldnt use this drug while breastfeeding a baby without first talking to your doctor.
Aciphex (Rabeprazole) Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Aciphex
The most common side effects of Aciphex in adults are:- Pain
- Sore throat
- Gas
- Constipation
- Infection
- Diarrhea
- Pain
- Headache
Severe Side Effects of Aciphex
Allergic reactions to Aciphex may result in severe side effects, including:- Rash
- Face swelling
- Throat tightening
- Difficulty breathing
Rare Side Effects of Aciphex
Rare side effects in adults include:- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Swollen arms and legs
- Decreased liver function, resulting in worsening brain function
- Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
- Muscle or joint pain
Aciphex (Rabeprazole) Interactions
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Cyclosporine (Restasis)
- Atazanavir (Reyataz)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Theophylline (Theo-24)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Antibiotics that contain amoxicillin or clarithromycin
- Methotrexate (Trexall)
- Diuretics
Aciphex (Rabeprazole) Dosage
To treat GERD, an adult and adolescent should take one tablet daily. To heal a duodenal ulcer, an adult should take one tablet daily 30 minutes before breakfast.
For a hypersecretory condition, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the dose for an adult generally starts with 60 mg of Aciphex daily, though the dosage can be adjusted as necessary.
Treating an infection of H. pylori requires 20 mg of Aciphex, 1000 mg of amoxicillin, and 500 mg of clarithromycin, all of which should be taken twice daily with breakfast and dinner for 7 days.
Aciphex also comes in the form of Aciphex Sprinkle - 5 mg and 10 mg delayed-release capsules - for children. After opening the capsule, you sprinkle the drug contents onto a spoonful of soft food, such as applesauce, or a liquid. The whole dose should be taken within 15 minutes of being sprinkled, 30 minutes before a meal.
Children who weigh less than 33 pounds (15 kilograms) should take 5 mg once daily, and children who weigh more than that should take 10 mg once daily.
Aciphex Overdose
There are no reports of large Aciphex overdoses, and a moderate overdose causes no symptoms.However, research in rodents shows that large doses of Aciphex cause decreased activity, difficulty breathing, and convulsions. In dog studies, large doses caused watery diarrhea, tremors, convulsions, and coma.
Contact a poison control center or emergency room if you suspect you've taken too much Aciphex. You can get in touch with a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.
Missed Dose of Aciphex
Take your missed dose as soon as possible.If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule. Don't double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
Aciphex Pictures
