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Aciphex vs. Zantac

Are Aciphex and Zantac the Same Thing?

Aciphex (rabeprazole sodium) and Zantac (ranitidine hydrochloride) are used to reduce stomach acid to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and duodenal ulcers.

Aciphex is also used in combination with antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infections in the stomach.

Zantac is also used to treat heartburn, erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger Ellison syndrome.

Aciphex is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and Zantac is a H2 (histamine-2) receptor blocker.

Zantac is available over-the-counter (OTC) and as a generic.

Side effects of Aciphex and Zantac that are similar include diarrhea, headache, and sleep problems (insomnia).

Side effects of Aciphex that are different from Zantac include rash or itching, upset stomach, gas, sore throat, and nervousness.

Side effects of Zantac that are different from Aciphex include constipation, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, decreased sex drive, impotence, difficulty having an orgasm, muscle pain, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and swollen or tender breasts (in men).

Both Aciphex and Zantac may interact with blood thinners, atazanavir, and ketoconazole.

Aciphex may also interact with digoxin, diuretics (water pills), methotrexate, and cyclosporine.

Zantac may also interact with triazolam, procainamide, riazolam, midazolam, glipizide, delavirdine, and gefitinib.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Aciphex?

Common side effects of Aciphex include:

  • rash or itching,
  • upset stomach,
  • diarrhea,
  • gas,
  • sore throat,
  • headache,
  • insomnia, or
  • nervousness.

Serious side effects of Aciphex include:

What Are Possible Side Effects of Zantac?

Common side effects of Zantac include:

  • constipation,
  • diarrhea,
  • fatigue,
  • headache (may be severe),
  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness,
  • sleep problems (insomnia),
  • decreased sex drive,
  • impotence,
  • difficulty having an orgasm,
  • muscle pain,
  • stomach pain,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • constipation,
  • or swollen or tender breasts (in men).

What Is Aciphex?

Aciphex (rabeprazole sodium) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to reduce stomach acid and is used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenal ulcers, and used in combination with antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infections in the stomach.

What Is Zantac?

Zantac (ranitidine hydrochloride) is a H2 (histamine-2) receptor blocker used for treating and preventing ulcers in the duodenum and stomach. Zantac is also used for treating:

  • heartburn,
  • erosive esophagitis,
  • and Zollinger Ellison syndrome.

What Drugs Interact With Aciphex?

Aciphex may interact with atazanavir, blood thinners, digoxin, diuretics (water pills), ketoconazole, or methotrexate.

Aciphex may also interact with cyclosporine.

What Drugs Interact With Zantac?

Zantac may interact with antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole, and HIV or AIDS medications such as atazanavir.

Zantac may also interact with triazolam, procainamide, warfarin, riazolam, midazolam, glipizide, delavirdine, and gefitinib.

 

How Should Aciphex Be Taken?

  • Take Aciphex exactly as prescribed. Your doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for you and your medical condition. Do not change your dose or stop taking Aciphex unless you talk to your doctor. Take Aciphex for as long as it is prescribed even if you feel better.
  • Aciphex is usually taken 1 time each day. Your doctor will tell you the time of day to take Aciphex, based on your medical condition.
  • Aciphex can be taken with or without food. Your doctor will tell you whether to take this medicine with or without food based on your medical condition.
  • Swallow each Aciphex tablet whole. Do not chew, crush, or split Aciphex tablets. Tell your doctor if you cannot swallow tablets whole.
  • If you miss a dose of Aciphex, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
  • If you take too much Aciphex, call your doctor or your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
  • Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic medicines with Aciphex to help treat a stomach infection and heal stomach (duodenal) ulcers that are caused by bacteria called H. pylori. Make sure you read the patient information that comes with an antibiotic before you start taking it.

How Should Zantac Be Taken?

  • adults and children 12 years and over:
    • to relieve symptoms, swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water
    • to prevent symptoms, swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water 30 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that cause heartburn
    • can be used up to twice daily (do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours)
    • children under 12 years: ask a doctor

Other Information

  • do not use if printed foil under bottle cap is open or torn (bottles)
  • do not use if individual blister unit is open or torn (blisters)
  • do not use if individual foil packet is open or torn (pouch)
  • store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F)
  • avoid excessive heat or humidity
  • this product is sodium and sugar free