What is Aciphex?
Aciphex is a commonly prescribed, safe and effective proton pump inhibitor which is used to treat the effects of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and also can effectively decrease and heal gastric and duodenal ulcers that form from chronic acid overproduction. Doctors have found that Aciphex, if used properly, can actually block specific enzymes essential to the production of stomach acid, thereby reducing acid in as little as one hour after the medication is taken, making it an extremely popular choice for those with significant symptoms of gastric ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
How does Aciphex work?
Aciphex works as a proton pump inhibitor, limiting the effect of a specific enzyme which enables the stomach to produce stomach acid. Most often, the stomach produces significant amounts of acid during times of stress and, of course, when eating. Unfortunately, many people overproduce stomach acid, leading to the symptoms of GERD and stomach ulcers, and Aciphex has been proven effective in relieving these symptoms by stopping the acid production process itself.
When will I see results from Aciphex?
As noted above, Aciphex can begin reducing acid within an hour of dosage and can continue working for up to eight weeks. Please consult with your doctor if you find that you need to take Aciphex for longer than an eight-week time period.
Is there anyone who should not take Aciphex?
Aciphex should be avoided during pregnancy or in those who are breast feeding or have an allergic reaction to Aciphex. Those with stomach ulcers caused by the H. pylori bacteria could experience slightly worse symptoms with Aciphex. Aciphex is not recommended for children under the age of 18.
Aciphex is so effective in relieving the symptoms of gastric ulcer disease and GERD as well as stomach pain that it can in some instances mask the symptoms of serious conditions like stomach cancer. For this reason, you should consult with your doctor if you have a history of stomach cancer in your family and should rule out any cancerous process prior to consideration of taking Aciphex.
How do I take Aciphex?
The usual adult dose for GERD is 20 mg once a day for four to eight weeks. Patients who have not healed after eight weeks should consider another eight-week course of Aciphex therapy as prescribed by their doctor. If the symptoms of GERD relapse, the usual dose is 20 mg a day as directed by your doctor.
For duodenal ulcer, the usual dose is 20 mg a day after the morning meal for up to four weeks. Some patients may require an additional four weeks of treatment as directed by their doctor.
Aciphex should be taken once a day, the tablets swallowed whole, and should not be chewed, crushed, 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 dosing schedule, do not take two doses at once. Aciphex is best taken immediately after the morning meal.
Side effects may include:
Headache, abdominal pain, abnormal stools, allergic reactions, belching, changes in menstrual bleeding, constipation, dehydration, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, changes in blood pressure, liver /kidney problems, blood clots, blood in urine, breast enlargement, and heart palpitations.
Related Categories:
General Health
Related Medications:
Protonix
