Ilaprazole+levosulpiride
About
Ilaprazole+levosulpiride belongs to a group of medicines called gastrointestinal agents used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acidity, indigestion, heartburn and peptic ulcers. Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (esophagus), this causes acidity and heartburn. Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the inner lining of the intestine and stomach.
Ilaprazole+levosulpiride is a combination of two drugs, namely: Ilaprazole (proton pump inhibitor) and Levosulpiride (prokinetic agent). Ilaprazole works by blocking the action of an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for the production of acid. Levosulpiride works by increasing the release of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine), which increases the movement of the intestines and stomach, preventing the acid from going towards the food pipe. Both medicines in combination provide relief in acid-related problems.
Take Ilaprazole+levosulpiride as suggested by your doctor. You are advised to take Ilaprazole+levosulpiride for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, gas, dry mouth, dizziness and diarrhea. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Inform your doctor before taking Ilaprazole+levosulpiride if you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or intestinal obstruction. On long term treatment, Ilaprazole+levosulpiride may cause osteoporosis and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels). Do not take Ilaprazole+levosulpiride if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by the doctor. Ilaprazole+levosulpiride may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Ilaprazole+levosulpiride should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Ilaprazole+levosulpiride as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate the production of stomach acid.
Uses of Ilaprazole+levosulpiride
Medicinal Benefits
Ilaprazole+levosulpiride is prescribed for the short-term treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acidity, indigestion, heartburn and peptic ulcers in individuals who do not respond well to proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) alone. This medicine reduces the acid production in the stomach and provides relief in pain associated with acidity and heartburn. However, an individual can increase the effectiveness of the medicine by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ilaprazole+levosulpiride
- Gas
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Ilaprazole+levosulpiride if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor before taking Ilaprazole+levosulpiride if you have a history of pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland), epilepsy, mania, gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction or severe kidney and liver impairment. Ilaprazole+levosulpiride may cause osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels) on long term treatment. Ilaprazole+levosulpiride causes dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ilaprazole+levosulpiride may have interaction with medicines such as ketoconazole, itraconazole and posaconazole (used to treat fungal infections) or erlotinib (used for certain types of cancer), warfarin and phenprocoumon (blood thinners), atazanavir (a medicine used to treat HIV-infection), methotrexate (used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and cancer), fluvoxamine (used to treat depression and other psychiatric diseases), rifampicin (used to treat infections) and St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) (used to treat mild depression).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Ilaprazole+levosulpiride may have interactions with gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland), epilepsy, mania, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), liver disease, bone fractures, hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Ilaprazole+levosulpiride. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Ilaprazole+levosulpiride if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIlaprazole+levosulpiride may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking Ilaprazole+levosulpiride, your doctor will decide whether Ilaprazole+levosulpiride can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionIlaprazole+levosulpiride causes dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Ilaprazole+levosulpiride if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Ilaprazole+levosulpiride if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeIlaprazole+levosulpiride should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
- Avoid lying down after eating.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- Practice relaxation techniques and avoid stress by doing yoga or meditation.
- Avoid foods such as high-fat food, spicy food, chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, onion, garlic, tea and soda.
- Avoid sitting continuously as it may trigger acidity. Take a break of 5minutes break every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
Special Advise
- Take Ilaprazole+levosulpiride 1 hour prior to food.
- Your doctor may advice regular monitoring of bone health, as Ilaprazole+levosulpiride in long term use may lead to bone loss.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acidity: The stomach is usually protected from the acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets eroded, which leads to complications like GERD, acidity, heartburn and peptic ulcers. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (esophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn and acidity. Symptoms include heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Peptic ulcers: Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach and intestine due to erosion of the stomach protective lining. Symptoms include nausea, changes in appetite, bloody or dark stools, unexplained weight loss, vomiting and indigestion.
Indigestion: Indigestion is the feeling of fullness. It occurs due to slow gastric emptying. Symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.
FAQs
Ilaprazole+levosulpiride is a combination of two drugs, namely: Ilaprazole (proton pump inhibitor) and Levosulpiride (prokinetic agent). Ilaprazole works by blocking the action of an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for the production of acid. Levosulpiride works by increasing the release of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine), which increases the movement of the intestines and stomach, preventing the acid from going towards the food pipe. Both medicines in combination provide relief in acid-related problems.
Diarrhea might be a side-effect of Ilaprazole+levosulpiride. Drink enough fluids and eat fiber-rich food if you experience diarrhea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience excess diarrhea consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Avoid lying down immediately after meals to prevent acid reflux. Raise the head of the bed 10-20cm by putting a pillow so that the head and chest are above the waist. This helps in preventing acid reflux.
Ilaprazole+levosulpiride contains Ilaprazole which might increase the risk of osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones). This mainly occurs in people taking higher doses of Ilaprazole+levosulpiride for longer durations. Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements if you are at risk of osteoporosis.
Do not take Ilaprazole+levosulpiride for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. Talk to your doctor if you do not find symptomatic relief. The doctor may monitor your condition regularly if you are on long term treatment with Ilaprazole+levosulpiride.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Ilaprazole+levosulpiride. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
