Rabeprazole Tablets 20mg

Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg is an antiulcer drug, a subclass of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), that is used in the treatment of symptoms of reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus (acid reflux) or heartburn, erosive oesophagitis (damage to the inside of the oesophagus caused by reflux), ulcers of the duodenum, Helicobacter pylori-related infections (when used with antibiotics), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a condition associated with increased acid production in the stomach).

The drug, Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg, belongs to the class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors, which inhibit the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in the parietal cells of the stomach, thereby decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach and preventing or healing gastric lesions.

Uses

• MRI can also be used to help diagnose gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Treatment of Duodenal Ulcers.
• The treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
• Treatment of: Erosive esophagitis and H. pylori infection (with antibiotics).

How it works ?

Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP contain Rabeprazole, which is a PPI that acts on the gastric proton pump, or (H+/K+ ATPase enzyme) present in the wall of the stomach. This enzyme is the same enzyme that produces acid, and when inhibited, it will decrease the number of acids produced, which can help alleviate symptoms and ease and heal acid-related conditions.

Benefits

Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP works perfectly by decreasing stomach acid that gives relief from symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation in GERD and helps heal ulcers and erosive esophagitis. It is especially useful in cases of hyperacid production where subsequent conditions like oesophageal damage or bleeding may occur. It is used in conjunction with antibiotics to aid in killing other microorganisms that cause gastrointestinal disease and enhance general gastrointestinal health and quality of life.

How to use it?

• Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP is advisable to take 30 minutes prior to the food intake as suggested by the doctor. 
• Take the uncrushed, unbroken, and unchewed tablet with a glass of water. 
• Taking it crushed, broken, or chewed will cause the gastro-resistant coating on the tablet to break, which means the tablet may break apart in the mouth after you take it. 
• As per instruction, take the dose and duration as it would produce satisfactory results.

Side Effects

Side effects of Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg may be:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Flatulence (wind)
• Weakness

These can cause more serious problems in the long term, such as bone fractures, vitamin B12 deficiency, and risk of infection. Seek medical advice as soon as possible if side effects continue, get worse, or occur for the first time, such as developing an allergic reaction (rash or swelling) or losing weight without any known cause or increasing in severity.

Safety Advice

Avoid or reduce amounts of alcohol when using Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP, as it may facilitate the production of stomach acids and make the inner lining more irritable and the medication less effective, which would further aggravate symptoms such as heartburn. Consult your doctor for advice.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Rabeprazole is Pregnancy Category B (animal studies indicate that pregnancy is not a risk, but there are limited human studies). Can only be used under medical supervision if the advantages of using it during pregnancy clearly outweigh the risk from its use. May enter breast milk; consult physician prior to use if breastfeeding.

Other Precautions: Exercise caution in liver-impaired patients; may require dosage adjustment. Generally safe for kidney disease, however, be sure to notify the doctor of any family history. Products used for longer than recommended should be monitored for potential side effects, such as magnesium deficiency and skeletal problems. Tell your doctor what medications you are taking, since some can interact with this medication (e.g., digoxin and blood thinners). This medicine may not be suitable for everyone, so consult a medical professional for advice.

Storage Conditions

Keep out of the temperature range of 86°F - 30°F. Keep away from light and water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there any reason to be concerned about taking Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg for longer?
If you don't feel reassured even after consuming Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP for 14 days, please consult your physician. Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg 20 mg IP should not be used for more than the recommended period without a doctor's advice. For longer treatment, a regular check-up is recommended.

Should I not continue to take Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP if I feel all right?
It is not advised to stop using Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg without your doctor's advice. To keep your condition under control, take Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP as advised by your doctor. If you have any difficulties while taking Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP, please speak with your doctor.

Can Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP be used for treating diarrhea?
Diarrhoea could be a Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP side effect. If you have diarrhoea, drink plenty of fluids and don't have spicy food. You should see your doctor if you have blood in your stools (tarry stools) or if they are very loose or you have severe diarrhea. 

Are Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP more likely to cause fractures in bones?
Long-term use of Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP may lead to a higher risk of fractures in hips, spine, and wrists. Tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis or if you are taking any corticosteroid pill.

What is the warning about Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP for older people?
Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP should be administered with care in elderly patients who require a longer duration of the drug because there is a risk of bone weakness with an increased risk of a fracture.

Am I allowed to take Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP when my stomach is empty?
Rabeprazole Sodium Tablets 20 mg IP may be taken without food, as it helps to control acid production.