rabeprazole, Aciphex (cont.)

Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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PREGNANCY: Use in pregnant women has not been adequately evaluated.

NURSING MOTHERS: Rabeprazole has not been studied in nursing women.

SIDE EFFECTS: Rabeprazole like other PPIs has few side effects. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, rash, and headaches. Dizziness, nervousness, abnormal heartbeat, muscle pain, weakness, leg cramps, and water retention rarely occur. High doses and long-term use (1 year or longer) may increase the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine. Therefore, it is important to use the lowest doses and shortest duration of treatment necessary for the condition being treated. Low magnesium levels, leading to seizures, abnormal heart beats, and tetany (overactive reflexes) has been reported during long-term treatment.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

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