RABEPRAZOLE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aciphex

GENERIC NAME(S): RABEPRAZOLE SODIUM

Description: Rabeprazole is a Proton Pump Iinhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Onset: W/in 1 hr.

Duration: 24 hr.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed. Oral bioavailability: Approx 52%. Time to peak plasma concentration: Approx 3.5 hr.

Distribution: Plasma protein binding: Approx 97%.

Metabolism: Extensive hepatic metabolism mainly by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 isoenzymes.

Excretion: Mainly via urine (approx 90%), the remainder via faeces. Plasma half-life: Approx 1-2 hr.

Uses

Rabeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and persistent cough. This medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Rabeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

How to use rabeprazole:

Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking rabeprazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are using the tablets, take 20 mg by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times daily. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

If you are using the capsules, take the dose 30 minutes before a meal as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not swallow the capsule whole. Open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount of soft food (such as applesauce or yogurt) or liquid. The food or liquid that you use should be at or below room temperature. Swallow the entire mixture within 15 minutes of preparing it. Do not chew or crush the prepared mixture.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight.

If needed, antacids may be taken along with this medication. If you are also taking sucralfate, take rabeprazole at least 30 minutes before sucralfate.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Continue to take this medication for the prescribed length of treatment even if you are feeling better.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Warnings

Pregnancy Risk: Category C (No proven risk to humans)

Side Effects

Headache may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: symptoms of a low magnesium blood level (such as unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, persistent muscle spasms, seizures).

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of bacteria. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have any of the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, fever, blood/mucus in your stool.

Rarely, proton pump inhibitors (such as rabeprazole) have caused vitamin B-12 deficiency. The risk is increased if they are taken every day for a long time (3 years or longer). Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency (such as unusual weakness, sore tongue, or numbness/tingling of the hands/feet).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Precautions:

Before taking rabeprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as lansoprazole, omeprazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease.

Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Get medical help right away if you have: heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating), unexplained weight loss.

Proton pump inhibitors (such as rabeprazole) may increase your risk for bone fractures, especially with longer use, higher doses, and in older adults. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about ways to prevent bone loss/fracture, such as by taking calcium (such as calcium citrate) and vitamin D supplements.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. The effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions:

See also How to Use section.

A product that may interact with this drug is: methotrexate (especially high-dose treatment).

Some products need stomach acid so that the body can absorb them properly. Rabeprazole decreases stomach acid, so it may change how well these products work. Some affected products include ampicillin, atazanavir, erlotinib, nelfinavir, pazopanib, rilpivirine, certain azole antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole), among others.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose:

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

If your doctor instructs you to use this medication regularly for a long time, laboratory and medical tests (such as a magnesium blood test, vitamin B-12 levels) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take 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.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Brands:

Available Brands

Barole 10/Barole 20 [ Mega Lifesciences ]
Mergium [ Mergers Drugfil ]
Pariet [ Eisai ]
Rabesta 10/Rabesta 20 [ Stallion Labs ]
Rapeed [ Alkem Lab ]