Rabeprazole

What is Rabeprazole?

Rabeprazole can be used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal acid reflux (GERD) in both adults and children older than 1 year.Rabeprazole can only be used in adults for conditions that involve excessive stomach acid. This includes Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Adults can also take Rabeprazole to treat duodenal or erosive esophagitis.Rabeprazole can also be used in conjunction with an antibacterial for the prevention of duodenal ulcers that are caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.Rabeprazole does not provide immediate relief from heartburn symptoms.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Rabeprazole.

Side effects of Rabeprazole 

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, or throat.

Rabeprazole can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

• severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, watery or bleeding;

• You may experience sudden hip, wrist, or back pain.

• seizure (convulsions);

• Kidney problems: fever; rash; nausea; joint discomfort. Urinating less than normal, blood in urine, swelling, and rapid weight gain

• New or worsening symptoms are joint pain and a rash that gets worse in the sun.

• Low magnesium may cause dizziness, fast or irregular heart rate, tremors (shaking/jerking muscle movements), feeling jittery, muscle cramps/spasms in hands/feet, cough or choking sensation; or cough or choking sensation.

• signs of bleeding (if you also take warfarin) --headaches, dizziness, weakness; pain or swelling; bruising, unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums); red or pink urine; heavy menstrual flow; bloody or tarry stools; coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or any bleeding that will not stop.

Long-term use of rabeprazole may lead to stomach growths known as fundic gland polyps. Speak to your doctor about the risk.You could develop a B-12 deficiency if you take rabeprazole for longer than three years. If you experience this condition, talk to your doctor to learn how to treat it.

Rabeprazole can cause the following side effects:

• infection;

• pain;

• sore throat

• headache;

• nausea, vomiting;

• Gas, diarrhea, and constipation

• stomach pain.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse events.

Similar/related drugs

Amoxicillin, omeprazole, famotidine, pantoprazole, metronidazole, Nexium, and Protonix

Warnings

Rabeprazole may cause kidney problems. If you urinate less than normal or have blood in your urine, tell your doctor.Diarrhea can be an indication of a new illness. If you have watery diarrhea or blood in your stool, call your doctor.Rabeprazole can cause new symptoms or worsen those of lupus. If you experience joint pain or a rash that gets worse in the sun on your arms or cheeks, tell your doctor.

It is possible that you are more likely to break a bone if you take rabeprazole for a long time or more than one dose per day.

Before you take this drug

Heartburn may mimic the early symptoms of a heart attack. If you experience chest pain that extends to your shoulder or jaw and you are feeling anxious or lightheaded, you should seek emergency medical attention.

This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to rabeprazole.

• If you are also taking any other medicine that contains rilpivirine, such as Edurant, Complera Juluca, or Odefsey,

• If you have ever had severe allergic reactions, breathing problems, or kidney problems after taking rabeprazole,

• If you have an allergy to rabeprazole or other medicines such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, Nexium, Prevacid,Prilosec, Protonix, etc.

Tell your doctor about any of the following:

• liver disease

• osteoporosis, or low bone mineral densities (osteopenia);

• lupus (an autoimmune disorder);

• Low levels of magnesium in the blood

Discuss with your doctor how to maintain healthy bones.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.Never give this medicine without consulting a doctor.

How to take Rabeprazole?

Rabeprazole can be taken up to once a day. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Follow the directions on the label.

Rabeprazole should only be used for a short time, typically 4–8 weeks. If you need more time to heal, your doctor may prescribe a second treatment.

AcipHex sprinkle is not recommended for children younger than one year of age.

Take rabeprazole along with a glass of water.Take rabeprazole after eating if you are taking it to treat duodenal ulcers. Take rabeprazole with food if you are taking it to prevent Helicobacter pylori ulcers. You can take rabeprazole with or without eating if you are taking it for another condition.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not chew or crush the tablet.

Do not swallow the capsule whole (AcipHex Sprinkle). You can sprinkle the medicine on a spoonful of soft food, such as yogurt, applesauce, or baby food. The medicine can also be mixed with apple juice, Pedialyte, or infant formula. The mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing. Don't save the mixture for later.

It can also affect certain medical tests. Tell your doctor that you use rabeprazole.In some cases, rabeprazole is combined with antibiotics. All medications should be taken as prescribed.Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take your medication for the prescribed time.If your symptoms don't improve or worsen while taking rabeprazole, call your doctor.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

Rabeprazole may cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you have bloody or watery diarrhea before taking anti-diarrhea medication.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking. Many drugs can interact with rabeprazole.

• An antibiotic such as Clarithromycin or Amoxicillin.

• digoxin;

• A diuretic, or "water pill".

• methotrexate;

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list isn't complete, and other drugs can also affect rabeprazole. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.