Rabeprazole

Uses

Rabeprazole is used in the treatment of acidity,intestinal ulcers, heartburn and stomach ulcers.

How it Works

Rabeprazole works by stopping the cells in the lining of the stomach from producing too much acid, and this helps to prevent ulcers from forming, or assists the healing process where damage has already occurred. Rabeprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid, and this can also help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux disease, such as acidity, heartburn, intestinal ulcers and stomach ulcers.

Common Side effects

Patients who take Rabeprazole may suffer from such side effects;

Nausea,
Abdominal pain,
Vomiting,
Constipation,
Diarrhoea,
Flatulence

Introduction

This drug is a proton pump inhibitor. It works mainly by decreasing the production of acid in the stomach. This drug can also be given together with antibiotics to prevent the formation of gastric ulcer caused by H. pylori or Helicobacter pylori infection. The generic name for this drug is rabeprazole. Cadila incorporation manufactures this. Other popular trade names or brand names of the drug are Rabicip, Rabicer, and Rabasec. This is a delayed release medication.

Composition

The active component of this medication is rabeprazole sodium. It is a benzimidazole that promotes the secretion of gastric acid. It is a yellowish white to white in color and is solid in structure. It is a water-soluble substance. It is also soluble in ethanol and methanol. However, it is insoluble to ether. The drug is stable in alkaline condition. This is an entic coated that is available to be taken orally. Inactive ingredients of this product are crospovidone, carnauba wax, magnesium stearate, mannitol, titanium dioxide, and coloring agent such as yellow iron dioxide.

Use

The usage of this drug therapy is primarily for GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease. It usually takes four to six weeks for the gastro esophageal reflux disease to heal, however, and additional eight more weeks can be added to the treatment. It is also vital as a treatment for duodenal ulcers. In some cases, this drug therapy is used for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome condition. It is also used for other hypersecretory conditions.

Dosage and administration

Take the medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Take this drug with preferably a full glass of water. The medicine should be swallowed. Chewing and crushing of the medication is not recommended. This drug can be taken on a full or empty stomach. The recommended dose for gastroesophageal reflux disease is 20 mg of Aciphex to be taken once a day in four weeks to eight weeks period. If using as a maintenance therapy for GERD the suggested dosage is 20 mg once a day. For duodenal ulcer, the suggested dosage is 20 mg of Aciphex delayed-release once a day ideally after breakfast. For the treatment of the hypersecretory condition, the initial loading dosage would be 60 mg to be taken orally once a day. This can last up to one year.

Contraindication

The drug therapy should not be consumed by patients with a known hypersensitivity reaction to Aciphex and any of its ingredients.

Important Precautions

Extra precautionary measures should be taken for elderly patients who are under this regimen. This medicine should not be used by pregnant women as using this drug may cause fetal defects. It is also important to follow the health care provider's order in regards to diet and restriction associated with the usage of this drug therapy.

Side effects

Be watchful of the signs and symptoms of low magnesium level brought about by using this medication. These side effects associated with taking this drugs are confusion, jittery feeling, and convulsion like symptoms such as tremor, dizziness, and confusion. Common mild side effects are diarrhea, formation or rash that is itchy in nature, headache, nervousness, and sleep disturbance such as insomnia.

Storage

Store the medication in a cool and dry place, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all drugs out of children's reach. Discard the drug properly when it is already expired.