Rabeprazole tablets contain the active ingredient rabeprazole, which is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor. Rabeprazole is a generic medicine. Rabeprazole acts in the stomach to decrease the production of stomach acid.
What is Rabeprazole used for:
- Stomach ulcers
- Ulcers in the duodenum (the area of the small intestine that lies just after the stomach)
- The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease
In combination with two antibiotic agents, Rabeprazole is used for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that is strongly linked to stomach ulcerations and chronic gastritis.
Action of Rabeprazole:
Rabeprazole relieves the symptoms of reflux and ulcers by slowing down the secretion of acid by the cells that line the stomach. It does this by inhibiting a single type of enzyme (a protein that allows other chemical reactions to occur faster) called a 'proton pump' that is needed to produce acid. So, by inhibiting this enzyme, the final stage in acid production is stopped.
The acid suppression effect of Rabeprazole occurs very quickly (within 2-4 hours) and lasts up to 23 hours after the first dose. Normal acid production can be decreased by 69%. Also at 23 hours, the amount of acid produced when eating food (which is when a lot of acid is created) is reduced by 82%.
How to take Rabeprazole:
Always take Rabeprazole exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Taking this medicine
- Only remove a tablet from the blister strip when it is time to take your medicine
- Swallow your tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush the tablets
- Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take and how long to take them for. This will depend on your condition
- If you are taking this medicine for a long time, your doctor will want to monitor you.
Adults and the Elderly
For ‘gastro-oesophageal reflux disease’ (GORD)
Treatment of moderate to severe symptoms (symptomatic GORD):
- The usual dose is one Rabeprazole 10 mg tablet once a day for up to 4 weeks
- Take the tablet in the morning before eating
- If your condition returns after 4 weeks treatment, your doctor may tell you to take one Rabeprazole 10 mg tablet as and when you require it.
Treatment of more severe symptoms (erosive or ulcerative GORD):
- The usual dose is one Rabeprazole 20 mg tablet once a day for 4 to 8 weeks
- Take the tablet in the morning before eating.
Long-term treatment of symptoms (GORD maintenance):
- The usual dose is one Rabeprazole 10 mg or 20 mg tablet once a day for as long as your doctor has told you
- Take the tablet in the morning before eating
- Your doctor will want to see you at regular intervals to check your symptoms and dosage.
For ulcers of the stomach (peptic ulcers)
- The usual dose is one Rabeprazole 20 mg tablet once a day for 6 weeks
- Take the tablet in the morning before eating
- Your doctor may tell you to take Rabeprazole for another 6 weeks if your condition does not improve.
For ulcers of the intestine (duodenal ulcers)
- The usual dose is one Rabeprazole 20 mg tablet once a day for 4 weeks
- Take the tablet in the morning before eating
- Your doctor may tell you to take Rabeprazole for another 4 weeks if your condition does not improve.
For ulcers caused by H. Pylori infection and to stop them coming back
- The usual dose is one Rabeprazole 20 mg tablet twice a day for seven days
- Your doctor will also tell you to take antibiotics called amoxicillin and clarithromycin
For further information on the other medicines used for the H. Pylori treatment, see the individual product information leaflets.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome where excess acid is produced in the stomach
- The usual dose is three Rabeprazole 20 mg tablets once a day to start with
- The dose may then be adjusted by your doctor depending on how you respond to the treatment.
If you are on long-term treatment you will need to see your doctor at regular intervals for review of your tablets and symptoms.
Patients with liver problems. You should consult your doctor who will take special care when beginning treatment with Rabeprazole and while you continue to be treated with Rabeprazole.
Common side effects of Rabeprazole:
Side effects from Rabeprazole are generally not serious, but some common side effects can occur in 1-10% of people and include:
- Headache
- dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- flatulence
- vomiting
- constipation
- Inflammation of the nose and throat
- cough
- Nonspecific pain
- back pain
- Rash
- Flu-like symptoms
- infections
- insomnia
- chest pain
Uncommon side effects of Rabeprazole:
Less common side effects occur in between 0.1-1% of people, and include:
- Anorexia
- Inflammation of the stomach
- Weight gain
- Inflammation of the tongue
- Itching
- Sweating
- Visual and taste disturbances and
- A raised white cell count.
Consult your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, or any other unusual or abnormal symptoms that concern you.
Not to be used in:
- Pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding.
This medicine is not recommended for children, as it has not been studied in this age group. This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
How to store Rabeprazole:
- Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
- Do not store this medicine above 25° C.
- Do not refrigerate.
- Do not use Rabeprazole after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister foil. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Alcohol
Alcohol can interact with certain medicines.
In the case of Rabeprazole: there are no known interactions between alcohol and Rabeprazole
If you have any more questions please ask your pharmacist.
Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.
References:
http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/2577/SPC
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/digestive-health/medicines/pariet.html
http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/drugs/pariet/3180
http://xpil.medicines.org.uk/ViewPil.aspx?DocID=2578
http://www.nhs.uk/medicine-guides/pages/MedicineOverview.aspx?condition=Gastrointestinal%20ulcers&medicine=Pariet
http://www.medicinanet.com.br/bula/4009/pariet.htm
http://www.drugs.com/uk/pariet-10mg-leaflet.html