Indications
- Rabeprazole is used for stomach and esophagus issues like acid reflux and ulcers.
- It belongs to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), reducing stomach acid production.
- Relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough.
- Aids in healing acid-related damage and helps prevent ulcers.
- May reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Medication Guide and Patient Information Leaflet before taking rabeprazole.
- Take tablets by mouth 1-2 times daily, with or without food, as directed by the doctor.
- Swallow tablets whole with water; do not crush, chew, or split them.
- For capsules, take 30 minutes before a meal once daily; do not swallow whole.
- Open the capsule, sprinkle contents on soft food or liquid, and swallow within 15 minutes.
- The dosage and duration depend on your condition and response to treatment.
- In children, dosage is weight-based.
- Antacids can be used with this medication if needed.
- If taking sucralfate, take rabeprazole at least 30 minutes before.
- Use regularly at the same time each day; continue even if feeling better.
- Inform the doctor if the condition persists or worsens.
- Discuss with the doctor the recommended duration of treatment.
Side effects
- Headache may occur; inform your doctor if it persists or worsens.
- This medication is prescribed based on the doctor’s assessment of benefits outweighing risks.
- Notify your doctor promptly of serious side effects, including symptoms of low magnesium levels or signs of lupus.
- Rarely, a severe intestinal condition (C. difficile) may occur; seek medical attention if you experience persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood/mucus in stool.
- Avoid using anti-diarrhea or opioid products if you have these symptoms.
- Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors like rabeprazole may rarely cause vitamin B-12 deficiency; inform your doctor if you develop related symptoms.
- Very serious allergic reactions are rare; seek immediate medical help if you experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, or signs of kidney problems.
- This list does not cover all possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist for any other observed effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to rabeprazole or similar drugs before taking this medication.
- Discuss your medical history, especially liver disease and lupus, with your doctor.
- Seek immediate medical help for serious symptoms, such as heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, and chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain, especially with shortness of breath and unusual sweating. Unexplained weight loss should also be reported promptly.
- Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
- Proton pump inhibitors like rabeprazole may increase the risk of bone fractures, especially with longer use, higher doses, and in older adults. Discuss preventive measures, such as calcium and vitamin D supplements, with your doctor.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, including bone loss and fractures, and C. difficile infection.
- Use this medication during pregnancy only when clearly needed; discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is unclear if this medication passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.