What is Aciphex and why is it prescribed?

Aciphex is used for 4-8 weeks treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the condition which causes sores and inflammation in the upper digestive canal (esophagus). This is caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus over a prolonged period of time. Your doctor may continue to prescribe Aciphex to prevent a relapse after your initial course of treatment because GERD can be chronic. It also helps to relieve heartburn, which is considered as a symptom of GERD.

Aciphex can also be prescribed for up to 4 weeks treatment of duodenal ulcers. Duodenal ulcers are ulcers that form just outside the stomach at the top of the small intestine. Aciphex can also be used for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a disease that causes the stomach to produce too much acid. 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.

Aciphex is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI), which blocks the production of acid by the stomach. Lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium) are the other drugs in the same class. Proton pump inhibitors are used for the treatment of conditions such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. These diseases are caused by stomach acid.

How does Aciphex work?

Aciphex (Rabeprazole) blocks the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that makes acid. By blocking the enzyme, the production of acid is decreased and this allows the stomach and esophagus to heal.

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