Rabeprazole, the generic name for the drug Aciphex, treats disorders characterized by an excess of stomach acid. According to Drugs.com, an online drug resource, rabeprazole helps relieve heartburn, ulcers and esophagus irritation. This medication is classified as a proton pump inhibitor and decreases the amount of acid made by the stomach.
Indications
The Mayo Clinic states that conditions treated with rabeprazole include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenal ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. GERD occurs when the excess acid in the stomach comes back up into the throat, causing burning and irritation. Duodenal ulcers form at the upper part of the small intestine and sometimes become infected with H. pylori bacteria. The presence of this bacterium requires additional medical treatment, usually with an antibiotic. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is characterized by the production of large amounts of acid by the stomach.
Prior to Using
Drugs.com instructs patients to notify a health care provider of any of the following: liver problems, stomach or bladder cancer, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. Patients need to inform the health care provider of all medications being taken, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and herbal and dietary supplements. Certain medications can increase chances of adverse side effects. Medications known to interact with rabeprazole include clarithromycin, voriconazole, warfarin, ketoconazole, clopidogrel and atazanavir.
Proper Administration
Patients can take rabeprazole with or without food and should swallow the medicine whole. Patients should continue to take rabeprazole for the entire prescribed time, explains the Mayo Clinic. Drugs.com states that the health care provider may approve antacid use while taking this medication; although, patients should wait at least 30 minutes after taking rabeprazole to take the medication sucralfate.
Dosing
The Mayo Clinic states dosing of this medication differs according to the type of disorder the health care provider is treating. The dosing instructions for conditions such as GERD and duodenal ulcers typically begin with one, 20-mg tablet of rabeprazole a day for four to eight weeks. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome patients may start with 60 mg of medication once daily.
Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic lists the following side effects of rabeprazole: dark urine; cough; swelling of face, arms, hands and lower extremities; fever; tiredness; nausea; weight gain; difficulty breathing; and unusual bleeding or bruising. Drugs.com states the most common side effects of this medication include diarrhea and headache.
Availability
Rabeprazole requires a health care provider prescription. According to the Mayo Clinic, this medication only comes in a 20-mg, enteric-coated or delayed-release tablet form. Rabeprazole is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
