Aciphex DRUG INFO
Aciphex (generic name- rabeprazole sodium) comes as a delayed-release
(long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once
a day for 4 to 8 weeks, but it is sometimes taken for a longer
time. When taken for ulcers, rabeprazole should be taken after
the morning meal.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Rabeprazole is used to treat conditions where
the stomach produces too much acid, including ulcers, gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
How should this medicine be used?
Rabeprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting)
tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day for 4 to
8 weeks, but it is sometimes taken for a longer time. When taken
for ulcers, rabeprazole should be taken after the morning meal.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew,
or crush them.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other
uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking rabeprazole,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rabeprazole,
lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole
(Protonix), or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products
you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: cyclosporine
(Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Lanoxin), and ketoconazole (Nizoral).
Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications
or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking rabeprazole,
call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions
should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue
your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication
cause?
Rabeprazole may cause side effects. Tell your
doctor if these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- constipation
- dry mouth
- increased or decreased appetite
- muscle or bone pain
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
There may be other side effects from rabeprazole.
Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking
this medication.
What storage conditions are
needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came
in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the
bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer
needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your
medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison
control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or
is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should
I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and
the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription.
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