Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
RABEPRAZOLE (ACIPHEX) prevents the production of acid in the stomach. Aciphex decreases the amount of acid produced in your stomach. Aciphex is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production.
Aciphex Dosage
If you have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), then the usual dose is 20 milligrams once a day for 4 to 8 weeks.
For Duodenal Ulcer, then the usual dose is 20 milligrams taken once daily after the morning meal for a period of up to 4 weeks.
Uses of Aciphex
Rabeprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton pump inhibitor. It is used to treat acid-related stomach/intestinal and throat problems, e.g., acid reflux or GERD, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. This medication may also be used in combination with antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers caused by bacterial infection.
Side Effects of Aciphex
Rabeprazole like other PPIs has few side effects. The most common side effects are
* Diarrhea * Nausea * Vomiting * Constipation * Rash and headaches. * Dizziness * Nervousness * Abnormal heartbeat * Muscle pain * Weakness * Leg cramps and water retention rarely occur.
Warnings and precautions before taking Aciphex
Aciphex does not work for everyone. Improvement in your symptoms does not prevent you from having other stomach-related medical conditions.
It is not known whether rabeprazole passes into breast milk. Do not take rabeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Before using this medication, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially if you have severe liver disease, other stomach problems such as tumors.
Before taking rabeprazole, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs such as lansoprazole, omeprazole or if you have any other allergies.
Drug Interaction :-
If you are taking Aciphex with certain other drugs, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of medicine. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Aciphex with the following:
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Overdose
After taken Aciphex if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately. Because it may lead to another serious effect. Symptoms of a Aciphex overdose are not known.
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