aciphex, rabeprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (ppi).

it blocks acid production in the stomach. aciphex is prescribed for the short-term (4 to 8 weeks) treatment of sores and inflammation in the upper digestive canal (esophagus). this condition, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd), is caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus over a prolonged period of time. because gerd can be chronic, your doctor may continue to prescribe

aciphex to prevent a relapse after your initial course of treatment and to relieve symptoms of gerd such as heartburn.

aciphex can also be prescribed for the short-term (up to 4 weeks) treatment of duodenal ulcers (ulcers that form just outside the stomach at the top of the small intestine), and for zollinger-ellison syndrome, a disease which causes the stomach to produce too much acid.

the aciphex drug is classified as a \\\"proton pump inhibitor.\\\" aciphex works by blocking a specific enzyme essential to the production of stomach acid. aciphex begins reducing acid within an hour of administration.

aciphex blocks the production of acid by the stomach.

other drugs in the same class include lansoprazole lansoprazole (prevacid), omeprazole (prilosec), pantoprazole (protonix), and esomeprazole (nexium).
aciphex, proton pump inhibitors are used for the treatment of conditions such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd) and zollinger-ellison syndrome that are caused by stomach acid.

aciphex (rabeprazole) like other proton-pump inhibitors, blocks the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that makes acid. by blocking the enzyme, the production of acid is decreased, and this allows the stomach and esophagus to heal.

take aciphex once a day. swallow the tablet whole; it should not be crushed, chewed, or split. you can continue taking antacids during aciphex therapy.

if you miss a dose:
take it as soon as you remember. if it is almost time for your next aciphex dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. do not take two aciphex doses at once.

storage information:
aciphex should be stored at room temperature and protected from moisture.

if aciphex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increase, decreased, or altered.

it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining aciphex with the following: cyclosporine (neoral, sandimmune), digoxin (lanoxin), ketoconazole (nizoral), warfarin (coumadin).

most important fact about aciphex:
aciphex will work even if your symptoms are caused by a serious condition such as stomach cancer. for that reason, doctors are warned to rule out cancer whenever prescribing aciphex.

special information on aciphex:
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding: the effects of aciphex during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. aciphex may appear in breast milk and should not be taken while you\\\'re breastfeeding.

special warnings about aciphex:

• if you have stomach ulcers caused by the h. pylori bacteria, aciphex could make the condition slightly worse. the doctor may order a test for h. pylori before prescribing aciphex.
• aciphex has not been tested in children less than 18 years of age.

why aciphex should not be prescribed?
if aciphex gives you an allergic reaction, you should strictly avoid it.

side effects of aciphex cannot be anticipated. if any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking aciphex.

headache is the most common side effect of aciphex, striking two people out of 100.

less common side effects may include:
abdominal pain, abnormal dreams, abnormal stools, abnormal vision, allergic reaction, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, belching, bladder inflammation, bone pain, breakthrough menstrual bleeding, bruising, bursitis, cataract, chest pain, chills, constipation, convulsion, decreased sex drive, dehydration, depression, diarrhea, difficult breathing, difficult periods, dizziness, dry eyes, dry mouth, ear infection, fainting, fatigue, fever, fluid retention, frequent urination, gallbladder disease, gas, glaucoma, gout, gum inflammation, hair loss, heart attack, hiccup, high blood pressure, hives, hyperventilation, increased appetite, inflammation of the esophagus, inflammation of the pancreas, insomnia, intestinal inflammation, irregular heartbeat, itching, joint disease, kidney stone, laryngitis, leg cramps, loss of appetite, lymph node disease, migraine, mouth inflammation, mouth sores, muscle pain, nausea, nerve pain, nervous system disorder, nervousness, nosebleed, overactive thyroid, painful urination, pins and needles sensation, pounding heartbeat, rash, rectal bleeding or inflammation, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to sunlight, sleepiness, slowed or racing heartbeat, stiff neck, stiffness, stomach upset or inflammation, sweating, tongue inflammation, tremor, underactive thyroid, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, weight gain or loss.

rare side effects may include:
abdominal swelling, absence of breathing, agitation, amnesia, bile duct inflammation, blood clot, blood in the urine, blood vessel enlargement, bloody diarrhea, breast enlargement, confusion, deafness, dry skin, eye pain, fluid retention of the face, hangover effect, heavy periods, hyperactivity, impotence, inflammation of the small intestine, intestinal bleeding, irregular heartbeat, liver disorders, nervous disorders, salivary gland enlargement, shingles, skin discoloration or scaling, slowed breathing, stomach bleeding, testicular inflammation, thirst, twitching, urinary incontinence, vaginal discharge, vein inflammation, visual disturbance.