Protonix vs. Aciphex

• Are Protonix and Aciphex the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Protonix?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Aciphex?
• What Is Protonix?
• What Is Aciphex?
• What drugs interact with Protonix?
• What drugs interact with Aciphex?
• How Should Protonix Be Taken?
• How Should Aciphex Be Taken?

Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) and Aciphex (rabeprazole sodium) are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis.

Side effects of Protonix include:

• injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling),
• headache,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• abdominal or stomach pain,
• diarrhea,
• gas,
• dizziness,
• joint pain,
• weight changes,
• drowsiness,
• tired feeling, or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

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:

• hepatitis,
• abnormal brain function or structure (encephalopathy),
• dizziness,
• swelling,
• joint pain, and
• muscle pains.

What is Protonix?

Protonix IV (pantoprazole sodium) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for short-term treatment (less than 10 days) of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a history of erosive esophagitis in adult patients.

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.

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

Protonix may also interact with nelfinavir, ampicillin, or iron.

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

Aciphex may also interact with cyclosporine.

The recommended adult dose of Protonix is 40 mg once daily.

• Protonix Oral Suspension should be taken 30 minutes before a meal
• Protonix Oral Suspension should only be taken with applesauce or apple juice 30 minutes before a meal.
• Protonix Oral Suspension should not be taken in or with water or other liquids, or with other foods.
• Protonix Oral Suspension should not be chewed or crushed.
• Protonix Oral Suspension packet should not be divided to make a smaller dose.

• 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.