TabletWise.com
 

Why it's used

Rabeprazole is used for the short-term treatment and maintenance of healing, relief from symptoms of backflow of stomach acid in the food pipe (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and small intestine ulcer (duodenal ulcer). It is also used to treat small intestine bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori), and cancer of stomach ulcer. This medicine works by preventing the amount of acid production in the stomach by blocking an organic enzyme (H+/K+ ATPase) system. This medicine helps by reducing acid secretions in the stomach. Rabeprazole is also used for the long-term treatment of overproduction of gastric acid (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
Rabeprazole may also be used together with other medicines to treat certain conditions as recommended by the doctor. It is used in combination with Amoxicillin, or Clarithromycin to treat the stomach infection and small intestine ulcers caused by bacteria (Helicobacter pylori).
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Rabeprazole is a prescription medicine that belongs to a class of medicines called Proton Pump Inhibitors. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of medicines that significantly reduce stomach acid production. Excess acid production causes diseases related to the stomach and intestines. PPIs are used to treat such disorders.

Get TabletWise Pro

Thousands of Classes to Help You Become a Better You.

How to use

Read the medicine guide provided by your pharmacist, your doctor, or the medicine company. If you have any questions related to Rabeprazole, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use Rabeprazole as per the instructions provided by your doctor.
Rabeprazole is eaten with or without food. Swallow the whole tablet without crushing, chewing or splitting it. Rabeprazole is eaten after the morning meal. When Rabeprazole is used in combination, tablets are taken twice a day, with the morning and evening meals, for 7 days.

Typical Dosage

The typical dose of Rabeprazole for adults is 20 mg/day. The usual dose for children is 5-10 mg (<15 kg body weight/<33 lb) or 10-20 mg (>15 kg body weight/>33 lb) once daily for up to 12 weeks (for capsule). This medicine is generally used for a period of 4 weeks for duodenal ulcer, 4 weeks for symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and 7 days for ulcer due to bacterial infection. This medicine is not known to be addictive or habit-forming.
This medicine is to be used for longer periods of time. Rabeprazole may be taken for the long-term treatment of the overproduction of stomach acid (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome) and reverse flow of stomach acid in the food pipe (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).
If using the delayed-release form of this medicine, do not crush or chew the medicine, unless indicated on the package. Crushing or chewing of the medicine can result in unpleasant taste resulting in patients not following the medicine schedule. Crushing or chewing can also release all of the medicine at once, resulting in a decrease of effectiveness and a possible increase in side-effects.

Talk to Your Doctor

Discuss with your doctor if your condition does not improve. Discuss with your doctor if serious stomach problems.

Use in Children

If you are giving Rabeprazole to a child, be sure to use a product that is for use in children. Use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the product package or medicine label. You can also read the dosage section of this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.

Lab Tests

Before beginning the use of this medicine, your doctor may ask you to undergo medical/lab tests (Magnesium, and Antibiotic Susceptibility) to monitor for side-effects. Once the administration of the medicine begins, your doctor should monitor you to make sure that the side-effects of this medicine are not impacting your health. Your doctor may request that specific lab tests be performed before you start using Rabeprazole. Your doctor may ask you to undergo Magnesium test. Magnesium level should be checked before starting the treatment because low magnesium can happen in patients taking proton pump inhibitors. Your doctor may request Antibiotic Susceptibility test.
Medicines may be recommended for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. You should not use Rabeprazole for conditions or symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Rabeprazole to other people, even if they have the same conditions or symptoms that you have. The use of this medicine without the advice of a doctor may cause harm.

Storage

Follow storage instructions on the product package if available. Store Rabeprazole at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), and away from moisture. Store this medicine away from children and pets.

Get TabletWise Pro

Thousands of Classes to Help You Become a Better You.

How to take Rabeprazole

The dose and frequency of using Rabeprazole will depend on the following factors:
  • age of the patient
  • the weight of the patient
  • medicines recommended by the doctor
  • any other medicines being used
  • herbal supplements being used

Rabeprazole Dosage

Dosage for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Adult
  • Recommended: 20 mg/day for four to eight weeks

Dosage for maintenance of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Adult
  • Recommended: 20 mg/day

Dosage for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Adult
  • Recommended: 20 mg/day for 4 weeks

Dosage for healing of small intestine ulcer

Adult
  • Recommended: 20 mg/day after the morning meal for up to four weeks

Dosage for overproduction of gastric acid (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome)

Adult
  • Recommended: 60 mg/day

Dosage for short-term treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Adult (12 years and older)
  • Recommended: 20 mg/day for up to 8 weeks

Dosage for backflow of stomach acid to the food pipe

Children (1 to 11 Years)
  • Recommended: 5mg/day (less than 15 kg (33 lb) body weight) for up to 12 weeks for capsule
  • Maximum: 10 mg/day
Children (1 to 11 Years)
  • Recommended: 10-20 mg/day (15 kg (33 lb) or greater body weight) body weight) for up to 12 weeks for capsule

Dosage for the stomach infection and small intestine ulcers

Adult
  • Recommended: Rabeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and clarithromycin 500 mg for twice daily for 7 days

Minimum Age

1 year

Dosage calculation for children

To calculate the dosage for children please use the weight based dose calculator to calculate the appropriate dosage as per the weight of your child.

Forms

Delayed release tablet
Strength: 10 mg, 20 mg
Delayed release capsules
Strength: 5 mg,10 mg

Special Instructions

Delayed release capsule
The dose should be taken 30 minutes before a meal. Granules should not be crushed or chewed. Sprinkle the entire content of capsule on a small quantity of soft food (e.g., fruit, yogurt, applesauce) or liquid (apple juice or electrolyte solution for a child). The whole dose should be consumed within 15 minutes of preparation. Liquid or food should be at or below room temperature. Also, do not store the mixture for future use.

Missed Dose

A missed dose should be taken as early as you remember it. However, if the time for the next dose is almost there, then the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. Avoid taking a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Rabeprazole?
No specific antidote is available for an overdose of Rabeprazole. In this case, symptomatic (treatment according to the symptoms) and supportive therapy should be given.
If you think you have overdosed on Rabeprazole, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Rabeprazole

Before you use Rabeprazole, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:
Before you use Rabeprazole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to benzimidazoles.
The use of this medicine may change magnesium. Magnesium level should be checked before starting the treatment because low magnesium can happen in individuals who take a proton pump inhibitor medicine for at least three months.

Use in Pregnancy

Rabeprazole should be used in pregnancy only when required. Use this medicine in pregnancy only when the possible benefit justifies the possible risk of Rabeprazole to the fetus.

Use while Breastfeeding

It is not known if this medicine is safe for use in women who breastfeed. Consult with your doctor before you use Rabeprazole while breastfeeding. It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk.

Impact on Fertility

Consult with your doctor on the use of Rabeprazole, if you are trying to conceive.

Seizures

Rabeprazole can make you feel sleepy. Be careful while driving, using machinery, or doing any other activity that needs you to be alert. The consumption of alcohol with Rabeprazole can make you feel more sleepy. Rabeprazole may cause seizures in some people. Discuss with your doctor if you perform activities where a loss of consciousness may cause you or others harm.

Long Term Use

The long-term use of Rabeprazole may cause low levels of magnesium or vitamin B-12. It also increases the risk of bone fracture such as osteoporosis-related fractures of the wrist, hip or spine.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Rabeprazole to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary
Warning: Use this medicine in pregnancy only when the possible benefit justifies the possible risk of Rabeprazole to the fetus.

Breastfeeding

No Known Risk
Warning: It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk.

Younger Adults Population

Only When Necessary
Warning: Rabeprazole should not be recommended in patients less than 1 year.

Older Adults Population

Only When Necessary
Warning: 

Rabeprazole Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Rabeprazole. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
The following side-effects may commonly occur in children when using Rabeprazole. Discuss with your doctor if any of these side-effects last for a long time or are severe:
Rarely, the use of Rabeprazole may cause the following side-effects:
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Rabeprazole:
  • Stomach and intestine disorder
    Symptoms: inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), swelling and sores inside the mouth inflammation of the large intestine (microscopic colitis)
  • Symptoms: depression, confusion disturbance in mental abilities (delirium)
  • Metabolism and nutrition disorder
    Symptoms: loss of appetite (anorexia), low levels of magnesium, low sodium level in the blood excess of ammonia in the blood (hyperammonemia)
  • Immune system disorders such as an allergic reaction
    Symptoms: sudden swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure fainting
    This medicine should be stopped if these symptoms occur.
  • Blood and lymphatic system disorder
    Symptoms: decreased white blood cells (leukopenia), increased white blood cells (leukocytosis), low levels of thrombocytes, low levels of neutrophils, decreased red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets count (pancytopenia) deficiency red blood cells
  • Liver disorder
    Symptoms: inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), yellowing of the skin (jaundice) loss of brain function due to liver failure (hepatic encephalopathy)
  • Musculoskeletal connective tissue and bone disorder
    Symptoms: muscles breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
  • Life-threatening drug-induced skin reaction
  • Lung infection (interstitial pneumonia)
  • Central nervous system disorder
    Symptoms: seizures
Your doctor has prescribed this Rabeprazole because they have judged that the benefits outweigh the risks posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This is not a complete list of possible side-effects for Rabeprazole.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Rabeprazole by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:

Side-effects in Children

Following are the side-effects of this medicine in young patients:

Serious Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:
  • difficulty breathing
  • face swelling
  • rash
  • throat tightness
This medicine should be stopped if these symptoms occur.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Warnings

Use In Combination With Antibacterial Agents

Patients who are allergic to antibacterial agents (clarithromycin and amoxicillin) should take precaution when using with Rabeprazole.

Stomach Cancer (Gastric Malignancy)

Treatment with Rabeprazole does not prevent the presence of stomach ulcers in these patients.

Magnesium Deficiency

Patients on prolonged treatment (at least three months or years) or who are taking Rabeprazole with digoxin or may cause the deficiency of magnesium are at an increased risk. This may cause harmful effects like seizures, muscle spasm, increase or decrease in heartbeat, dizziness, disturbance in mental abilities and fatigue. Treatment of low magnesium level in the blood can be improved by magnesium replacement or discontinuation of Rabeprazole.

Use With Methotrexate

When Rabeprazole is used with methotrexate, it may increase the level of methotrexate in the blood. In case of high dose intake of methotrexate, a temporary withdrawal of Rabeprazole should be considered.

Stomach And Intestinal Infection

Patients who are taking Rabeprazole are at an increased risk. Rabeprazole increases the count of bacteria in the stomach and intestine. It may increase the risk of infection caused by Salmonella, Campylobacter and Clostridium difficile.

Interference With Laboratory Tests

Increased Chromogranin A (protein) level may interfere with the test for both neural and endocrine cancer (neuroendocrine tumors). To avoid this interference, Rabeprazole should be discontinued for at least 5 days before chromogranin A measurements.

Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Rabeprazole may cause subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, lesion and pain in a joints (arthralgia). Immediate medical help and discontinuation of proton pump inhibitors should be considered on the occurrence of lesions and pain in joints (arthralgia).

Use With Warfarin

Use of Rabeprazole with warfarin increases the levels of blood parameters such as blood clotting time which may lead to abnormal bleeding and may cause a fatality. Blood parameters should be monitored in patients taking Rabeprazole with warfarin.

Inflammation Within The Kidneys

Patients who are taking Rabeprazole are at an increased risk. Rabeprazole may cause inflammation in the kidneys which lead to unknown harmful allergic reactions in the body. If a patient develops inflammation in the kidneys, discontinue the use of Rabeprazole.

Vitamin B-12 Deficiency

Patients who are taking Rabeprazole are at an increased risk. Long-term (more than 3 years) use of acid-suppressing agents may lead to vitamin B-12 deficiency due to the absence of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Diagnosis should be considered if these clinical symptoms persist.

Bacteria (Clostridium difficile) Associated Diarrhea

Patients who are taking Rabeprazole are at an increased risk. The use of Rabeprazole with clarithromycin or amoxicillin may cause bacteria associated diarrhea. Patients with bacteria associated diarrhea should take the lowest dose of Rabeprazole for short period of time.

Bone Fracture

Patients with bone weakness related fractures are at an increased risk when using Rabeprazole for the longer period of time or taking its high doses. Long-term use or high doses of Rabeprazole may increase the risk of fractures of the wrist, hip, or spine. Patients with bone weakness related fractures should take the lowest dose of Rabeprazole for the shorter duration of time. Also, patients should have an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.

Interactions with Rabeprazole

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Rabeprazole. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Anticoagulant

Rabeprazole may interact with Anticoagulant such as warfarin, which is used to treat blood clots. The use of Rabeprazole with warfarin increases the blood clotting time which may lead to abnormal bleeding and can be possibly fatal. Patients should be monitored for blood clotting parameters (INR and prothrombin time) when using both medicines together.

Immunosuppressant

There may be an interaction of Rabeprazole with Immunosuppressant such as cyclosporine, which is used during organ transplantation. Rabeprazole reduces the metabolism of cyclosporine which may lead to an increased level of cyclosporine in the blood.

Antifungal Drugs

Rabeprazole interacts with Antifungal Drugs such as ketoconazole and itraconazole, which are used to treat fungal infection. Rabeprazole may decrease the level of antifungal drugs in the blood. Special monitoring of patients is required who are taking Rabeprazole with ketoconazole and itraconazole. If required, the dose may be adjusted in such patients.

Cardiac glycoside

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with Cardiac glycoside such as digoxin, which is used to treat heart disease. Rabeprazole may increase the absorption of digoxin and the combined use may cause low magnesium level. Magnesium level should be checked before and during the treatment with Rabeprazole.

Mycophenolate Mofetil

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with Mycophenolate Mofetil, which is used during organ transplantation. Using Rabeprazole with mycophenolate mofetil increases stomach pH which may decrease the absorption of mycophenolate mofetil. Special precautions are required in the transplant patients taking mycophenolate mofetil with Rabeprazole.

Antiretroviral Drug

Rabeprazole may interact with Antiretroviral Drug such as atazanavir, which is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Rabeprazole may decrease the level of atazanavir in the blood and thereby reduce the effectiveness of atazanavir. Use of atazanavir and Rabeprazole is not recommended.

Antineoplastics

There may be an interaction of Rabeprazole with Antineoplastic such as erlotinib, which is used in the treatment of cancer. Rabeprazole may decrease the absorption of erlotinib.

Antimetabolite

Rabeprazole interacts with Antimetabolite such as methotrexate, which is used to treat cancer. The use of Rabeprazole with methotrexate may increase the levels of methotrexate in blood. In case of high dose intake of methotrexate, a temporary withdrawal of proton pump inhibitors should be considered.

Antibiotics

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with Antibiotics such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin, which are used to treat bacterial infections. The combined use of amoxicillin and clarithromycin with Rabeprazole may increase the levels of Rabeprazole and 14-hydroxyclarithromycin in the blood and this may cause harmful reactions.

Iron Salts

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with Iron Salt, which is used to treat anemia. Rabeprazole may decrease the absorption of iron salts.

Interactions of Rabeprazole by Severity

Severe

The following medicines are usually not to be taken together without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can cause harmful effects in the body. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

Moderate

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can increase your risk of harmful effects. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should Rabeprazole be not used?

Allergic To Rabeprazole

This medicine should not be used in patients who are allergic to Rabeprazole or to any components. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:
  • life-threatening allergic reaction
  • swelling of the lower layer of the skin
  • hives
  • inflammation within the kidneys
  • life-threatening allergic reaction to an allergen (anaphylactic shock)
  • difficulty in breathing (bronchospasm)

Allergic To Substituted Benzimidazoles

This medicine should not be used in patients allergic to substituted benzimidazoles which are used to treat infections, allergies, cancer and pain. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:
  • life-threatening allergic reaction
  • swelling of the lower layer of the skin
  • hives
  • inflammation within the kidneys
  • life-threatening allergic reaction to an allergen (anaphylactic shock)
  • difficulty in breathing (bronchospasm)

Allergic To Proton Pump Inhibitors

This medicine should not be used in patients allergic to proton pump inhibitors.

Brands

Following are the top brand names of Rabeprazole in countries around the world:

Traveling With Medication

  • Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
  • While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
  • Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
  • If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Rabeprazole is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

  • If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
  • If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
  • If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
  • If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.
This page provides information for Rabeprazole .
Esophagus Disorders
Stomach Disorders
Heartburn
Peptic Ulcer

Sign Up



Share

Share with friends, get 20% off
Invite your friends to TabletWise learning marketplace. For each purchase they make, you get 20% off (upto $10) on your next purchase.