Acifix Tablet (Enteric Coated) 20 mg

Acifix Tablet, containing Rabeprazole Sodium 20 mg, is a proton pump inhibitor manufactured by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. This enteric-coated tablet effectively reduces gastric acid secretion by targeting H+/K+-ATPase enzymes in stomach lining cells.

Priced at ৳7.00 per unit (strip of 10 tablets: ৳70.00), Acifix treats duodenal ulcers, GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Its therapeutic benefits extend to H. pylori eradication when combined with antibiotics like clarithromycin and amoxicillin.

Key dosage guidelines:

• 20 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks for active ulcers
• 10-20 mg for long-term GERD management
• 60-120 mg divided doses for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Common side effects include headache (3-5% users) and gastrointestinal discomfort. Store below 30°C, protected from moisture. The drug interacts with ketoconazole and atazanavir – monitor patients closely during coadministration.

Adults: 20mg once daily for 4-8 weeks. Pediatric (≥15kg): 10mg once daily. Zollinger-Ellison: 60-120mg daily. Swallow tablet whole. For H. pylori, use 20mg twice daily with antibiotics for 7 days.

In general, Acifix is well-tolerated in both short-term and long-term studies. Acifix may sometimes cause headache, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, increased or decreased appetite, muscle pain, drowsiness, dizziness.

Pregnancy Category C: Use only if potential benefit justifies risk. Caution in lactation – excreted in breast milk.

Long-term use may increase fracture risk. Monitor vitamin B12 levels. Higher risk of C. difficile infection. Use sunscreen – may cause photosensitivity.

Renal/Hepatic: No dose adjustment needed. Pediatric: Not recommended <12 years. Geriatric: Monitor bone density regularly.

The maximum established exposure has not exceeded 60 mg twice daily, or 160 mg once daily. Effects are  generally minimal, representative of the known adverse event profile and reversible without further medical intervention. No specific antidote is known. Acifix is extensively protein bound and is, therefore, not dialysable. As in any case of overdose, treatment should be symptomatic and general supportive measures should be utilised.