Aciphex, known generically as rabeprazole, is classified as a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI, that decreases the amount of acid made by the stomach. According to the National Institutes of Health website DailyMed, Aciphex is approved to treat symptomatic gastroesophogeal reflux disease, or GERD, and stomach ulcers. When used in combination with antibiotics, it treats helicobacter pylori, or H. Pylori, which is the bacteria that causes ulcers.
Purpose
Most ulcers of the stomach and the duodenum, or the first part of the small intestine, are caused by H. Pylori, explains MayoClinic.com. Without treatment, ulcers can progress cause life-threatening conditions, including perforation, or a hole in the stomach or intestines, and stomach cancer. According to DailyMed, Aciphex, in combination with the antibiotics amoxicillin and clarithromycin, eradicate H. Pylori infection.
Precautions
Precautions must be taken prior to and during treatment with Aciphex and antibiotics. According to MayoClinic.com, all allergies, especially those to penicillin or any antibiotics, must be reported to the doctor to avoid a possible allergic reaction. Because H. Pylori infection can result in serious conditions, response to the medications is monitored regularly during treatment. Worsening symptoms or lack of improvement warrants physician notification. Clarithromycin should not be used by pregnant women due to risk of birth defects.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Aciphex taken with clarithromycin and amoxicillin include diarrhea and an altered sense of taste. Less common side effects include cough, swelling, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth and an unusual weight loss or weight gain. Dark urine, light-colored stools and yellowing of the skin and eyes are side effects that may signify liver problems, explains MayoClinic.com.
Adverse Reactions
A serious allergic reaction to amoxicillin can occur, especially in patients with a history of an allergy to penicillin or sensitivity to several allergy-causing substances, warns RxList. Symptoms include hives, wheezing and swelling of the face, throat, lips or tongue. Emergency medical treatment is required for this life-threatening emergency.
According to MayoClinic.com, pseudomembranous colitis, a potentially severe gastrointestinal condition caused by antibiotics, is a possible adverse reaction. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain and cramping, fever and pus or blood in the stool.
Dosing
Aciphex, clarithromycin and penicillin are taken as three separate medicines. They are taken in the morning and evening with meals for seven days. It is very important that patients stick to the prescribed regimen for the entire period to completely eradicate the H. Pylori bacteria, notes DailyMed.
