Rabeprazole
About
Rabeprazole belongs to a group of antiulcer medicines called proton pump inhibitors used to treat duodenal ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus), heartburn, erosive oesophagitis (acid-related damage to the lining of the oesophagus), infections caused by Helicobacter pylori when given along with an antibiotic, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Rabeprazole contains 'Rabeprazole' that works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as gastric proton pump which is responsible for the production of acid. This helps in reducing the amount of acid produced, heals the ulcers and prevents the formation of new ulcers.
You are advised to take Rabeprazole 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, dizziness, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence (wind), weakness, and runny nose. 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 if you have a stomach tumour or liver disease. On long-term treatment, Rabeprazole may cause low magnesium levels, vitamin B12 levels and increase the risk of bone fractures. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Rabeprazole may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so drive only if you are alert. Rabeprazole is not recommended for children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Rabeprazole as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate the production of stomach acid.
Uses of Rabeprazole
Medicinal Benefits
Rabeprazole belongs to a group of antiulcer medicines called proton pump inhibitors. Rabeprazole is used to treat duodenal ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus), heartburn, erosive oesophagitis (acid-related damage to the lining of the oesophagus), infections caused by Helicobacter pylori when given along with an antibiotic, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Rabeprazole works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as gastric proton pump that is responsible for the production of acid. This helps in reducing the amount of acid produced, heals the ulcers and prevents the formation of new ulcers.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Rabeprazole
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence (wind)
- Weakness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Rabeprazole if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have a stomach tumour, liver disease, or if you are due to have Chromogranin A blood test. On long-term treatment, Rabeprazole may cause low magnesium levels, vitamin B12 levels, and increase the risk of bone fractures; the doctor may advise regular tests for monitoring your condition. Consult your doctor before starting Rabeprazole if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Rabeprazole may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so drive only if you are alert. Rabeprazole is not recommended for children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Rabeprazole as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate the production of stomach acid. Prolonged intake of Rabeprazole is linked with a greater risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, so if you develop diarrhoea that does not improve, immediately consult a doctor. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Rabeprazole may have interaction with a pain killer (aspirin, naproxen), anti-depressant (duloxetine, amitriptyline), blood thinner (clopidogrel), a drug used to treat hypothyroidism (levothyroxine), anti-HIV (atazanavir), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole), anti-cancer (methotrexate), vitamin (cyanocobalamin), and Medicines to help you to sleep or feel more relaxed (such as diazepam or zolpidem).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, liver disease, bone fractures, and hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Rabeprazole. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing Rabeprazole.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will decide if Rabeprazole can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionRabeprazole may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeRabeprazole is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- Avoid lying down after eating to prevent acid reflux.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes as it might increase the pressure on the abdomen leading to acid reflux.
- Practise 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 5 minutes every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
Special Advise
- Inform your doctor before taking Rabeprazole if you are due to have Chromogranin A blood test.
- Rabeprazole may cause abnormal blood and liver enzyme values. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Rabeprazole.
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 acidity, GERD, heartburn, peptic ulcer, and Zollinger Ellison syndrome.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): It is a condition that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn.
Duodenal ulcer: It is a painful condition followed by the development of sores or ulcers in the duodenum or stomach lining (first part of the small intestine, i.e., the duodenum).
Zollinger Ellison syndrome: It is a rare condition in which a gastrin-secreting tumour of the pancreas causes excessive acid production leading to peptic ulcers.
FAQs
Rabeprazole works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as gastric proton pump that is responsible for the production of acid. This helps in reducing the amount of acid produced, heals the ulcers and prevents the formation of new ulcers.
Talk to your doctor if you do not feel better even after taking Rabeprazole for 14 days. Do not take Rabeprazole for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. If Rabeprazole is prescribed for longer durations, a regular check-up is advised.
Do not discontinue Rabeprazole without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Rabeprazole for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Rabeprazole.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Rabeprazole. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Prolonged intake of Rabeprazole is linked with a greater risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, so if you develop diarrhoea that does not improve, immediately consult a doctor.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Rabeprazole. 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.
On long term treatment, Rabeprazole might increase the risk of fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis or if you are taking corticosteroids.
