Rabeprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It is used to treat acid-related stomach/intestinal and throat (esophagus) problems (e.g., acid reflux or GERD, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). Decreasing excess stomach acid can help relieve symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, and trouble sleeping. It can also prevent serious acid damage to your digestive system (e.g., ulcers, cancer of the esophagus).This medication may also be used in combination with antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers caused by bacterial infection.
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Rabeprazole
Uses
Rabeprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It is used to treat acid-related stomach/intestinal and throat (esophagus) problems (e.g., acid reflux or GERD, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). Decreasing excess stomach acid can help relieve symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, and trouble sleeping. It can also prevent serious acid damage to your digestive system (e.g., ulcers, cancer of the esophagus).This medication may also be used in combination with antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers caused by bacterial infection. Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Storage
- Store the US product at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
- Do not store in the bathroom.Store the Canadian product at 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from moisture.Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How
To Use - Take this medication by mouth usually once daily, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor.Do not crush, chew, or split this medication.
- Swallow the medication whole.If needed, antacids may be taken along with this medication.The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- Remember to use it at the same time each day.
- Continue to take this medication for the prescribed length of treatment even if you are feeling better.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side
Effects - This medication is generally well tolerated.
- Although uncommon, headache may occur.
- If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: signs of vitamin B-12 deficiency with long-term (over 3 years) treatment (e.g., unusual weakness, sore tongue, numbness or tingling of the hands/feet).A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking rabeprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (e.g., lansoprazole, omeprazole); or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe liver disease, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors).Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you have: heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing), pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders, unexplained weight loss.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.
- Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: atazanavir.If you are currently using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting rabeprazole.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: warfarin.Rabeprazole can decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs which require stomach acid in order to be absorbed.
- Before using this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist on how to manage such a potential interaction if you are taking the following drugs: ampicillin, azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), iron supplements.Rabeprazole may increase the amount of digoxin that is absorbed into your blood.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details if you also take digoxin.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |