Rabeprazole

Rabeprazole is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat and stomach). Rabeprazole is used to treat the symptoms of GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus. Rabeprazole is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Rabeprazole is used to treat ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or intestine) and is used in combination with other medications to eliminate <span class='ital'>H. pylori</span>, a bacteria that causes ulcers. Rabeprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.

Rabeprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. When rabeprazole is used to treat most conditions, it is usually taken once a day. When used to treat ulcers, rabeprazole is taken after the morning meal. When used in combination with other medications to eliminate <span class='ital'>H. pylori</span>, rabeprazole is taken twice a day, with the morning and evening meals, for 7 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take rabeprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with water; do not split, chew, or crush them. Continue to take rabeprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking rabeprazole without talking to your doctor. If your condition does not improve or gets worse, call your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Rabeprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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headache</li>
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nausea</li>
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vomiting</li>
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diarrhea</li>
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stomach pain</li>
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constipation</li>
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gas</li>
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sore throat</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
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blistering or peeling skin</li>
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rash</li>
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hives</li>
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swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat</li>
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difficulty breathing or swallowing</li>
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irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat</li>
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excessive tiredness</li>
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dizziness</li>
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lightheadedness</li>
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muscle spasms</li>
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uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body</li>
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seizures</li></ul>Rabeprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.People who take proton pump inhibitors such as rabeprazole may be more likely to fracture their wrists, hips, or spine than people who do not take one of these medications. The risk is highest in people who take high doses of one of these medications or take them for one year or longer. The risk may also be higher in people who are 50 years of age or older. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking rabeprazole.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking rabeprazole, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rabeprazole, dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in rabeprazole tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), atazanavir (Reyataz), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics ('water pills'), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and iron supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low level of magnesium in your blood or liver disease.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.