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Aciphex |
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What is Aciphex and why is it prescribed? Aciphex blocks acid production in the stomach. It is prescribed for the short-term treatment of sores and inflammation in the upper digestive canal. 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 treatment of duodenal ulcers, and for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Aciphex is classified as a "proton pump inhibitor." It works by blocking a specific enzyme essential to the production of stomach acid. It begins reducing acid within an hour of administration. How should you take Aciphex? Follow your doctors directions for taking Aciphex. 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 dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Aciphex should be stored at room temperature and protected from moisture. Are there any Aciphex side effects? Aciphex side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Headache is the most common side effect of Aciphex. Less common Aciphex 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, and weight gain or loss. Rare Aciphex 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, and visual disturbance. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Aciphex? If Aciphex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Aciphex with Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any 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 this drug. Aciphex has not been tested in children under 18 years of age. |
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