Rebamipide
About
Rebamipide belongs to a group of medicines called anti-ulcers primarily used for mucosal protection, healing of the peptic ulcer, Gastritis, recurrent oral aphthae (stomatitis), and Behcet's disease. Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the inner lining of the intestine and stomach. Gastritis is a sudden, severe inflammation of the protective lining of the stomach caused by H. pylori infection, injury, regular use of pain pills called NSAIDs, and too much alcohol. Stomatitis is the most common type of inflammatory efflorescence of the oral mucosa. Behcet's disease: is a rare disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout your body.
Rebamipide contains 'Rebamipide,' which promotes the synthesis of prostaglandin, a chemical messenger that aids in the healing of ulcers. It also aids in the regeneration of damaged tissue by promoting protein expression, stimulating cell development, and improving ulcer healing.
Take Rebamipide as prescribed by your doctor. Depending on your medical condition, you are advised to take Rebamipide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Sometimes, you may experience common side effects, such as nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation, headache, and dizziness. 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.
Avoid caffeine-containing beverages (tea, coffee), spicy/deep fried/processed food, carbonated drinks, and acidic food like citrus fruits. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any components present in this medicine, have leukopenia (a low level of white blood cells) and thrombocytopenia (a low number of platelets in the blood), have liver problems, or will have an endoscopy in the future. Inform your doctor before taking Rebamipide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Rebamipide should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness were not established. Keep your doctor informed about all your medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medications and herbal supplements.
Uses of Rebamipide
Medicinal Benefits
Rebamipide contains ‘Rebamipide’ (a mucosal protective agent) primarily used to treat Peptic ulcer, Gastritis, Recurrent oral aphthae (stomatitis), and Behcet's disease. It works by decreasing oxygen-free radicals, increasing blood flow, and producing protective prostaglandins (a chemical messenger) in ulcer mucosa, which accelerates the healing process. Also, it helps in the replacement of lost tissue by increasing the expression of a protein that stimulates cell growth (epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF receptors) and improves ulcer healing. Rebamipide can also be taken while taking NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs) to lower the chance of developing stomach ulcers.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Rebamipide
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rash
- Altered taste
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Rebamipide if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor before taking Rebamipide if you have severe liver or kidney problems and if you are due to have a Chromogranin A test. Your doctor may get routine blood tests done to assess the functioning of your liver. Do not take Rebamipide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by the doctor. Rebamipide should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Rebamipide may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol and Rebamipide as it could lead to increased drowsiness and elevate stomach acid production. Keep your doctor informed about all your medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines and herbal supplements.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Rebamipide may interact with pain relievers (e.g. diclofenac, celecoxib).
Food-Drug Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn. Rebamipide may interact with St.John’s wort (a herbal supplement used to treat depression).
Drug-Disease Interactions: Rebamipide may interact with various disease conditions, including epilepsy, mania, kidney, liver disease, and blood disorder.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Rebamipide. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionRebamipide is a pregnancy category C drug. Do not take Rebamipide if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Please discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them.
Breast Feeding
cautionDo not take Rebamipide if you are breastfeeding without consulting the doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them.
Driving
cautionRebamipide may alter the ability to drive; thus, avoid driving or using machinery.
Liver
cautionTake Rebamipide with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Rebamipide with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionRebamipide should not be given to children as 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 stomach acid production, 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.
- Practice relaxation techniques and avoid stress by doing yoga or meditation.
- Avoid foods such as high-fat, spicy chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, onion, garlic, tea, and soda.
- Sitting continuously may trigger acidity. Take a break of 5minutes break every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
Special Advise
- Inform your doctor before taking Rebamipide if you are due to have a Chromogranin A test.
- Rebamipide may cause changes in blood tests for checking liver functioning. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Rebamipide.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Peptic ulcers: Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the stomach and intestine lining due to erosion of the stomach's protective lining. Symptoms include nausea, appetite changes, bloody or dark stools, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and indigestion.
Gastritis: Gastritis is a sudden, severe inflammation of the protective lining of the stomach caused by H. pylori infection, injury, regular use of pain pills called NSAIDs, and too much alcohol. Symptoms include upper stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Recurrent oral aphthae (stomatitis): is the most common type of inflammatory efflorescence of the oral mucosa. It is a condition in which a small, shallow sore is inside the mouth or at the gums' base. Symptoms of painful sore in the mouth that can make it hard to eat and talk.
Behcet's disease: Behcet's disease is a rare disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout your body. Symptoms include mouth sores, eye inflammation, skin rashes and lesions, and genital sores.
FAQs
Rebamipide contains 'Rebamipide,' which promotes the synthesis of prostaglandin, a chemical messenger that aids in healing ulcers. It also aids in the regeneration of damaged tissue by promoting protein expression, stimulating cell development, and improving ulcer healing.
Do not discontinue Rebamipide without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Rebamipide for as long as prescribed. Do not hesitate to speak with your doctor if you have difficulty taking Rebamipide.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Rebamipide. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
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.
Do not take Rebamipide 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 Rebamipide.
