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, 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, a disease which causes the stomach to produce too much acid. The drug 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 sometimes combined with the antibiotics amoxicillin and clarithromycin to treat infections caused by H. pylori, a type of bacteria that lives in the digestive tract and is often associated with recurrent ulcers.
AcipHex will work even if your symptoms are caused by a serious condition such as stomach cancer. For that reason, doctors are warned to rule out cancer whenever prescribing AcipHex.
Headache is the most common side effect of AcipHex, occurring in two people out of 100.
ADULTS
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The usual dose is 20 mg once a day for 4 to 8 weeks. For patients who have not healed after 8 weeks, the doctor may prescribe an additional 8-week course of AcipHex therapy.
To Relieve Symptoms or Prevent a Relapse of GERD
The usual dose is 20 mg once a day.
Duodenal Ulcer
The usual dose is 20 mg taken once daily after the morning meal for a period of up to 4 weeks. Some people may require an additional 4 weeks of treatment.
Combination Drug Treatment to Eliminate H. Pylori
The recommended combination is 20 mg of AcipHex, 1,000 mg of amoxicillin, and 500 mg of clarithromycin taken twice a day for 7 days. It's important to take all three drugs for the entire 7 days. Cutting the treatment short could fail to eliminate the infection and possibly lead to antibiotic resistance.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
The usual starting dose is 60 mg once a day, although your doctor may adjust the dose based on your individual need. Doses of up to 100 mg once a day or 60 mg twice a day are sometimes prescribed.
