Rabeprazole

The dose of rabeprazole used depends on the condition being treated.

To treat non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), the recommended adult dose of rabeprazole is 10 mg to 20 mg, taken once daily for up to 4 weeks.

To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with esophagitis, the recommended adult dose of rabeprazole is 20 mg, taken once daily. The recommended adult dose for maintaining long-term healing of GERD is 10 mg to 20 mg, taken once daily. The usual length of treatment for GERD is 4 to 8 weeks.

To treat duodenal ulcer, the recommended adult dose of rabeprazole is 20 mg, taken once daily for a period of up to 4 weeks.

To treat gastric or stomach ulcer, the recommended adult dose of rabeprazole is 20 mg, taken once daily for a period of up to 6 weeks.

To treat ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, the recommended adult dose is 20 mg, taken twice daily for 7 days in combination with 2 antibiotics, usually amoxicillin and clarithromycin. If you are taking rabeprazole in combination with antibiotic drugs, it is important that you take all medications at the correct time of day and for the entire treatment period as recommended by your doctor.

To treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the recommended adult starting dose of rabeprazole is 60 mg, taken once daily. Some people may require higher doses. Your doctor will adjust the dose of Rabeprazole as needed.

Rabeprazole delayed release tablet has been designed to work throughout the day, and therefore needs to be taken only once daily. Rabeprazole may be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a beverage. Do not chew, crush, or split the tablets.

Most people will experience some improvements in symptoms 1 to 2 weeks after starting rabeprazole. It may take up to 4 weeks for people to experience maximum benefit from Rabeprazole.

Keep taking Rabeprazole and finish all the tablets as recommended by your doctor even if you start to feel better. If the symptoms that were causing you problems have not gone away by the time you finish your medication or as discussed with your doctor, call your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Rabeprazole exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Rabeprazole at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause diarrhea; it may cause stomach ache; it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause gas and bloating; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

10 mg
Each pink, round tablet, imprinted in black ink with "N10" on one side and plain on the other side, contains 10 mg of rabeprazole sodium. Nonmedicinal ingredients: anatase titanium dioxide, n-butyl alcohol, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hypromellose, hypromellose phthalate, industrial methylated spirit, iron oxide black, isopropyl alcohol, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, stearic acid, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate; colour coating: iron oxide red and iron oxide yellow.

20 mg
Each yellow, round tablet, imprinted in black ink with "93" over "64" on one side, contains 20 mg of rabeprazole sodium. Nonmedicinal ingredients: anatase titanium dioxide, n-butyl alcohol, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hypromellose, hypromellose phthalate, industrial methylated spirit, iron oxide black, isopropyl alcohol, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, purified water, shellac glaze, stearic acid, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate; colour coating: FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake.

Do not take Rabeprazole if you:

• are allergic to rabeprazole or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to other proton pump inhibitors
• are taking the medication rilpivirine

There may be an interaction between rabeprazole and any of the following:

• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine)
• Apalutamide
• "azole" antifungal medications (e.g., itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole)
• bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate, Risedronate)
• Bosentan
• Capecitabine
• Carbamazepine
• cefuroxime
• certain protein kinase inhibitors (e.g., Bosutinib, Dabrafenib, Dasatinib, Erlotinib Nilotinib
• Clopidogrel
• Deferasirox
• delavirdine
• Dexamethasone
• dexmethylphenidate
• Digoxin
• doxycycline
• Enzalutamide
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• iron salts
• ledipasvir
• Mesalamine
• methotrexate
• Methylphenidate
• Mitotane
• Modafinil
• mycophenolate
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• primidone
• raltegravir
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• rilpivirine
• Riociguat
• St. John's wort
• siltuximab
• "statin" cholesterol medications (e.g., Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Simvastatin)
• Tacrolimus
• Tocilizumab
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Rabeprazole. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Rabeprazole.

Diarrhea: When gastric acid is decreased, the number of bacteria normally in the digestive system increases. Occasionally, this can cause serious infection in the digestive tract. If you experience watery, foul-smelling bowel movements after starting to take rabeprazole, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Rabeprazole to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Rabeprazole may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rabeprazole, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Magnesium levels: Rabeprazole may rarely cause low magnesium levels in people who take Rabeprazole for a prolonged period of time. Low magnesium may occur after at least 3 months, but usually after a year of treatment. If you have low magnesium levels in your blood, you should discuss with your doctor about how Rabeprazole may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rabeprazole, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Methotrexate interaction: Rabeprazole, like other medications in this group, may interact with methotrexate when the two medications are used at the same time. This combination may lead to higher than expected amounts of methotrexate in the body and can cause serious side effects, including kidney damage, irregular heartbeat, Anemia, or infection. If you take rabeprazole, and are also going to receive a dose of methotrexate, discuss with your doctor how Rabeprazole may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rabeprazole, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

More serious conditions of the stomach and intestines: If you experience symptoms of a more serious condition of the stomach and intestines (e.g., trouble swallowing, unplanned weight loss, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood, or black stools) while taking Rabeprazole, contact your doctor immediately.

Osteoporosis fractures: Long term use of rabeprazole may be related to an increased risk of bone fractures in the hip, wrist or spine, as a result of weakened bones. This risk is further increased if you are at risk of developing osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis or have risk factors for developing osteoporosis, discuss with your doctor how Rabeprazole may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rabeprazole, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Vitamin B12: Long-term use of rabeprazole may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. If you are a vegetarian or have low vitamin B12 levels, discuss with your doctor whether any special monitoring is required.

Pregnancy: Rabeprazole should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Rabeprazole, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if rabeprazole passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Rabeprazole, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using Rabeprazole have not been established for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age.

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. This medication should be swallowed whole. It should not be split, crushed or chewed. Avoid using or consuming substances that may irritate your stomach, such as: Cigarettes Alcohol and alcohol-containing products Coffee, tea and chocolate Acidic or spicy food Fried foods If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food. However, to maximize its effectiveness, this medication should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before the first meal of the day.