Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Rabeprazole

Rabeprazole: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Rabeprazole?

Rabeprazole is a medication used to treat heartburn, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It belongs to the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) class of drugs that reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach. Rabeprazole is approved for use in adults and children above 1-year of age. It is available in various dosages, such as sustained or delayed-release capsules or tablets, or granules. Rabeprazole is also available as fixed-dose combinations (FDC) with other medications such as domperidone, levosulpiride, etc.

What are the uses of Rabeprazole?

  • Indicated in the treatment of GERD – a disease characterized by consistent heartburn and regurgitation of food from the stomach to the mouth.
  • Used in the treatment of ulcers along the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Helpful in reducing heartburn severity and other acid-related disorders by preventing stomach lining damage and may help in preventing cancers of the esophagus.
  • Indicated for the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in adults-a severe condition with increased acid production in the stomach.

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    What are the side effects of Rabeprazole?

    The majority of the side effects of Rabeprazole resolve on their own and do not require medical attention. However, if the symptoms persist or get worse, you should inform your doctor.

    Common side effects

    • Headache.
    • Dizziness.
    • Nausea.
    • Vomiting.
    • Diarrhea.
    • Abdominal pain.
    • Sore throat.

    Serious side effects

    • Rashes or hives.
    • Tachycardia.
    • Muscle cramps or spasm.
    • Hypersensitivity reaction.
    • Skin peeling.
    • Seizures.
    • Angioedema (swollen face, eyes, lips, or tongue).
    • Photosensitivity.

    If you experience any of the serious side effects, you should immediately seek medical care. You can contact our medical experts for more information regarding the side effects of Rabeprazole and effective ways to manage them.

    What is Rabeprazole

    Uses of Rabeprazole

    Side effects of Rabeprazole

    References

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Rabeprazole

    Rabeprazole is a prescription medicine and should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. However, if you experience any side effects that persist or start bothering you, the doctor might discontinue it or might put you on any alternative antacid. Long-term use can cause weakened bones by reducing bones magnesium and calcium content, so it? advised to take supplements to meet your calcium and magnesium requirements.

    Rabeprazole should be taken in the dose and frequency as suggested by your healthcare provider (HCP). The majority of doctors prescribe it to be taken empty stomach for maximum efficacy. Usually, Rabeprazole is available as enteric-coated tablets or capsules, so these formulations should be taken as a whole and not be chewed, broken, or crushed. It might be prescribed for twice-daily administration in certain conditions, so precautions should be taken not to mix it with food and maintain some gap for better results.

    Rabeprazole is usually eliminated from your body within a day. Usually, Rabeprazole has a half-life of around 1 hour in the average population except for people with kidney disorders. So, more than 99% of the drug gets eliminated from the body within 7 hours (~ 7 half-lives). Sustained or delayed-release formulations are designed to produce the effect for a longer duration and take more time for elimination. Therefore, usually, once-daily administration is sufficient to relieve symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux.

    Rabeprazole has been on the market for quite some time, and many pharmaceutical companies manufacture it. The price of one tablet/capsule of Rabeprazole could range from around INR 3 to 15, depending upon the manufacturer and brand value. You can always check with your doctor or chemist for prescribing/dispensing the economic brand.

    Rabeprazole is usually not recommended during pregnancy as it may have some negative effects on the fetus. Animal studies have shown harmful pregnancy outcomes using Rabeprazole; however, limited human studies support this observation. Your doctor might assess the benefits and risks associated and can decide accordingly. For more information, you can reach out to our team of consultants for expert opinions on the use of Rabeprazole in pregnancy.

    Both Rabeprazole and ranitidine are used to treat acid reflux and GERD. Studies have shown Rabeprazole is more effective than ranitidine in treating acid-related conditions. You should not self-administer both the medications together as these may cause some side effects, although no interactions have been directly reported. You should inform your doctor if you are already taking ranitidine before starting with Rabeprazole.

    Rabeprazole, like other PPIs, can lead to undesired weight gain. Usually, weight gain is observed in long-term treatment with Rabeprazole; however, few people might gain weight rapidly. If you observe any significant change in your weight, you should inform your doctor. It is recommended to follow lifestyle changes to manage weight gain. Further, you can consult our team of medical experts for opinions on weight gain and ways to manage it.

    Yes, Rabeprazole belongs to the PPI class of drugs. PPIs act by blocking the enzyme responsible for the production of acid in your stomach. PPIs, including Rabeprazole, are used to treat conditions caused by hypersecretion of acid in the stomach, such as ulcers, heartburn, acid reflux, GERD, or more severe conditions, etc. You can consult our experts for medical opinions on the uses of Rabeprazole and other PPIs.

    Rabeprazole is to be taken as prescribed by your doctor, depending upon the severity of the disease. Usually, Rabeprazole is prescribed for once-daily administration, empty stomach in the morning. However, it can be prescribed for twice a day administration. Precaution should be taken to avoid an intentional or unintentional overdose of Rabeprazole.

    Yes, generally, doctors prescribe Rabeprazole for empty stomach administration. Empty stomach intake provides maximum efficacy and can quickly give desired results. However, depending on the severity of heartburn and ulcers, your doctor might start medication after meals to start therapy.