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February 10, 2012

Aciphex

Antacids »

What are antacids, and how do they work?

Antacids are a class of drugs used to treat conditions caused by the acid that is produced by the stomach. The stomach naturally secretes an acid called hydrochloric acid that helps to break down proteins. This acid causes the contents of the stomach to be acidic in nature, with a pH level of 2 or 3. (pH levels are a measure of acidity in the stomach: the lower the number, the greater the acidity.) The stomach, duodenum, and esophagus are protected from acid by several protective mechanisms. When there is too much acid or protective mechanisms are inadequate, the lining of the stomach, duodenum or esophagus may become damaged by the acid, giving rise to various gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, heartburn (due to gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD), and other gastro-esophageal symptoms.

Antacids reduce acidity by neutralizing (counteracting) acid, reducing the acidity in the stomac...

Read the Antacids article »

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Aciphex User Reviews >>

Aciphex

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Aciphex Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Aciphex

Generic Name: rabeprazole (Pronunciation: ra BEP ra zole)

What is rabeprazole (Aciphex)?

Rabeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Rabeprazole is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Rabeprazole is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

Rabeprazole may also be given with an antibiotic to prevent gastric ulcer caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Rabeprazole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Aciphex 20 mg

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What are the possible side effects of rabeprazole (Aciphex)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

headache;
upset stomach or diarrhea;
insomnia or nervousness; or
a rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about rabeprazole (Aciphex)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to rabeprazole or to similar medicines such as lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), or pantoprazole (Protonix).

Some conditions are treated with a combination of rabeprazole and antibiotics. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before your treatment is completed.

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