Aciphex
Generic Name: Rabeprazole Sodium
Brand Name: Aciphex
Indications
Aciphex is indicated for treatment in the healing and symptomatic relief of erosive or ulcerative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This product decreases the amount of acid produced in your stomach. It is indicated for short term treatment which takes about 6 to 8 weeks. It is used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis which damages your esophagus caused by stomach acid.
Dosage and administration
Aciphex is available for oral administration as delayed-release, enteric-coated tablets containing 20 mg of rabeprazole sodium.
Aciphex tablets should be swallowed and not chewed, crushed, or split. Aciphex can be taken with or without food.
Normal Dosage: recommended is one Aciphex 20mg delayed-release tablet to be taken once daily for four to eight weeks. For those patients who have not healed after 8 weeks of treatment, an additional 8-week course of Aciphex may be considered.
Overdose?
Over dosage effects are not reported yet. Consult a doctor in case of any uneasiness.
Drug Description
The active ingredient in Aciphex Delayed-Release Tablets is rabeprazole sodium, a substituted benzimidazole that inhibits gastric acid secretion. Rabeprazole sodium is known chemically as 2-[[[4-(3-methoxypropoxy)-3-methyl-2-pyridinyl]-methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole sodium salt. It has an empirical formula of C18H20N3NaO3S and a molecular weight of 381.43. Rabeprazole sodium is a white to slightly yellowish-white solid. It is very soluble in water and methanol, freely soluble in ethanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate and insoluble in ether and n-hexane. The stability of rabeprazole sodium is a function of pH; it is rapidly degraded in acid media, and is more stable under alkaline conditions. The structural formula is:
Inactive ingredients of the 20 mg tablet are carnauba wax, crospovidone, diacetylated monoglycerides, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose phthalate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, and titanium dioxide. Iron oxide yellow is the coloring agent for the tablet coating. Iron oxide red is the ink pigment.
Side Effects
No serious side effects are noted. In extreme cases you may face allergic reactions like breathing difficulty, swollen lips, headache, insomnia or nervousness. Seek immedtae help of the physician in any case.
Precautions
- If you are under medication for any other disease, it must be informed prior to the physician.
- Aciphex should not be used if you are allergic to rabeprazole or to similar medicines such as lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix) and so on.
- Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux disease. If the heartburn persists for more than 2 days then you are advised to consult your physician.
- Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before your treatment is completed.
- This drug is in the FDA pregnancy category B.It does not affect the developing fetus. You are advised to consult a physician about your health conditions.
Drug Interactions
The following drugs may cause adverse reactions with rabeprazole. You are strictly advised to consult your doctor if you are using drugs like
- Warfarin
- Ketoconazole
- Ampicilin
- Digoxin
