Rabeprazole (Generic Aciphex)

What is Rabeprazole?

Rabeprazole prevents the production of acid in the stomach. It reduces symptoms and prevents injury to the esophagus or stomach in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or ulcers. Rabeprazole is also useful in conditions that produce too much stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Rabeprazole may also be used with antibiotics to get rid of bacteria that are associated with some ulcers.

Precautions When Taking Rabeprazole

Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How to take Rabeprazole

Take rabeprazole tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water; do not crush, break, or chew. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Drug Interactions with Rabeprazole

The following drugs may interact with Rabeprazole:

• ampicillin
• cyclosporine
• diazepam
• digoxin
• iron salts
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Side Effects of Rabeprazole

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• fever or sore throat
• persistent skin rash
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea/vomiting
• rash
• tiredness

What should I watch for while taking rabeprazole?

It can take several days of therapy with rabeprazole before your stomach pains improve. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your condition does not improve, or if it gets worse. You can take antacids for the occasional relief of stomach pain unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you otherwise.