Generic Aciphex

Indications for Generic Aciphex

AcipHex or rabeprazole sodium is a medications which belongs to the class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It works through decreasing the production of acid in the stomach by blocking specific enzymes.

AcipHex is generally prescribed for the short-term treatment of inflammation and sores in the esophagus or the upper digestive canal caused by GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

AcipHex is sometimes used with antibiotics like clarithromycin and amoxicillin for the treatment of infections which are caused by H. Pylori.

AcipHex may also be used for the short-term treatment of duodenal ulcers as well as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which is a disease that causes too much acid production in the stomach.

AcipHex can also be used for other purposes and conditions as determined by your doctor.

Important Information about Generic AcipHex

You should not use AcipHex if you have an allergy to rabeprazole sodium or to other medications.

Because GERD can be a chronic condition, you may be advised by your doctor to continue taking AcipHex prevent any relapses after the initial course of treatment as well as to relieve the symptoms of GERD like heartburn.

AcipHex would work even when your symptoms are actually caused by other more serious conditions like stomach cancer. Because of this, your doctor would usually require you to undergo some tests to correctly diagnose your condition first.

If you have been diagnosed with stomach ulcers which are caused by H. pylori, note that AcipHex could make your condition slightly worse. Your doctor might advise to take a test if you have H. pylori before AcipHex is prescribed. If your test confirms that you have H. pylori, you may be prescribed with antibiotics along with AcipHex.

AcipHex should not be administered in children who is below 18 years of age, unless otherwise directed by a physician.

Make sure to tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs and medications to be sure that they would not be interacting with AcipHex, especially if you are taking cyclosporine, ketoconazole, digoxin and warfarin.

AcipHex belongs to the FDA pregnancy category B, which means it is not expected to harm a developing or a breastfeeding baby. However, be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, are trying to get pregnant or are nursing.

Dosage and Administration of Generic AcipHex

AcipHex or rabeprazole sodium should only be taken once daily and can be taken with or without meals.

The tablet should be swallowed whole. It should not be chewed, broken or crushed.

If you are taking antacids, you can continue to do so even when you are being treated with AcipHex. If you are taking AcipHex with clarithromycin and amoxicillin, then you could take all of the three drugs together twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Make sure to take the three drugs with meals.

If you missed a dose of AcipHex, then make sure that you would be taking it as you remember; but if the next dose is almost up, you could just skip the dose that you missed and then go back to taking your regular doses.

Possible Side Effects of Generic AcipHex

The most common side effect which is experienced with the use of AcipHex or rabeprazole sodium is headache. This usually goes away on its own but if does not or if it worsens in intensity or if you start to experience other more serious side effects, contact your doctor or seek emergency medical help at once.