Uses of Rabeprazole

Rabeprazole is used to treat ulcer in stomach and upper part of the intestine. It is used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer and zollinger-ellison syndrome. 

Therapeutic Category

Rabeprazole: Proton Pump Inhibitors

How Rabeprazole works

Rabeprazole works by suppressing gastric acid secretion by blocking certain gastric receptors at the secretory surface of gastric acid secreting cells. In this way, it blocks the final step of gastric acid secretion. 

Common side effects of Rabeprazole

• cough, sore throat, runny nose, flu like symptoms
• nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence
• back pain, non-specific pain
• weakness or loss of strength
• sleeplessness
• headache
• dizziness
• infection
• benign polyps in the stomach

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience fatigue, involuntary muscle contractions, disorientation, convulsions, dizziness or increased heart rate
• If you experience severe (watery or bloody) or persistent diarrhoea with symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain or tenderness
• If you experience any signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing)

Health Tips for Rabeprazole

• Avoid eating foods and drinking beverages that trigger or worsen the symptoms. Common triggers include spicy or fatty foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks. Follow well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large, heavy meals. This helps reduce the pressure on the stomach and minimizes acid reflux. Avoid lying down immediately after eating, wait for at least two to three hours before lying down or going to bed
• Losing weight can assist with GERD symptoms if you are overweight or obese. Acid reflux is more likely when you are overweight because it puts strain on your abdomen. To reach and maintain a healthy weight, engage in regular physical activity and follow a healthy eating regimen
• Quitting smoking is strongly advised. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that controls acid reflux, is weakened by smoking. It also slows stomach ulcer healing and raises the risk of complications