Rabeprazole
Description
Rabeprazole is used to provide relief from acidity and heartburn due to stomach
acid reflux. It is also used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers caused by acid reflux disease and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Rabeprazole belongs to the "Proton pump inhibitor" class of medicine. This medicine reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Rabeprazole acts by blocking the action of proton pumps present in the stomach wall, which are responsible for acid production. You should take this medicine preferably in the morning 30 minutes before meals. A lifestyle change would help in controlling your acidity well. Avoid alcohol and smoking, excessive consumption of soft drinks, citrus juices, tea and coffee (caffeinated drinks), spicy, oily and fast foods. You should avoid eating late at night or just before going to bed.
Uses
- Rabeprazole is used in the treatment of heartburn and chest pain due to stomach acid reflux disease in which acidic content from the stomach comes up to the food pipe and mouth.
- Treatment of ulcers of stomach, intestine and inflammation and erosion of food pipe due to stomach acid.
- Management of a condition of increased gastric acid production induced by a tumour of the intestine or pancreas, also known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Contraindications
When should one not use Rabeprazole
- If you are allergic to Rabeprazole.
- If you are pregnant or think that you could be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Sleeplessness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach discomfort
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take the Rabeprazole during pregnancy?
A:
You should not take the Rabeprazole during pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant and happen to be taking this medicine, consult your doctor immediately.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take the Rabeprazole while breastfeeding?
A:
You should not take the Rabeprazole while breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe you safer alternatives.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed the Rabeprazole?
A:
There are chances of drowsiness and dizziness with the Rabeprazole. Therefore, it is not advisable to drive or use heavy machinery while taking treatment with this medicine.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with the Rabeprazole?
A:
Drinking alcohol when you are taking this medicine does not affect the way it works. However, you must avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol as it is known to increase acidity and can make your stomach disease worse.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have stomach pain, indigestion and problems in swallowing, family history of stomach cancer.
- You vomit food or blood or you are passing black stools.
- You have a skin reaction after taking similar medicine.
- You are experiencing frequent diarrhoea.
- You have a liver function problem.
- You are experiencing symptoms like painful joints, skin rashes and tiredness.
- You are to undergo any blood test (Chromogranin A).
- You are expected to take this medicine for a longer duration as there are several risks associated with that.
- The long term treatment with the Rabeprazole may lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 which can produce symptoms like pale skin, sore tongue, weakness, headache, disturbed vision and irritability.
- The long term treatment of this medicine may also weaken your bones or may slightly increase the risk of fracture.
- In some patients with ulcers, the course of this medicine may take 1 to 3 months. Do not stop the medicine on your own.
- Rabeprazole is not recommended for use in children.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
- In an average healthy individual, specific cells in the stomach get stimulated and release acid after intake of food. In certain individuals, the stomach wall secretes an excess of acids and lead to acid-related stomach problems such as ulcers....
- Rabeprazole blocks the activity of certain processes in the stomach walls known as proton pumps thus acid release in the stomach decreases and this helps in the healing of ulcers and improves symptoms such as acidity and heartburn....
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Rabeprazole may interact with other medicines, discuss with your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbal preparations you are taking. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled....
- Concomitant use of Rabeprazole along with medicines used to treat HIV infections, like Atazanavir, Nelfinavir, Rilpivirine, or the use of antacids should be avoided as Rabeprazole may decrease the effectiveness of these medicines....
- There can be increased chances of getting side effects if you are taking a medicine containing Digoxin used to treat heart failure along with Rabeprazole, especially in elderly patients.
- Concomitant use of anticoagulants like Warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding and ulcers.
- Other medicines like Methotrexate and antifungals such as Ketoconazole or Itraconazole should be used cautiously, as they can alter the effects of the Rabeprazole.
Interactions with food items
Rabeprazole should not be taken with food or milk. You should take it 30 minutes before food. As food decreases the effectiveness of rabeprazole medicine.
Dosage
Overdose
The symptoms of an overdose with Rabeprazoles are similar to the side effects in the body. So, if you have consumed a higher dose or think you may have taken too much of the medicine, do not panic and contact your doctor or visit the nearby hospital....
Missed a Dose
Missing a dose of Rabeprazole may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Ravindra Ghongade
B. Pharm
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why do I get B12 deficiency with Rabeprazole?
A: The absorption of vitamin B12 and vitamin B12 stores in the body can get affected by the long term use of Rabeprazole. Rabeprazole reduces the absorption of vitamin B12 from the stomach due to its stomach acid, reducing effects and can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Q: Why should older people be cautious while using the Rabeprazole?
A: Rabeprazole produces bone weakness and can increase the risk of getting fractures in elderly patients if taken in high doses for long term treatment.
Q: Can I take the Rabeprazole on an empty stomach?
A: Yes, you can take the Rabeprazole on an empty stomach. You should preferably take this medicine in the morning on an empty stomach for better stomach acid regulation throughout the day.
Q: Can Rabeprazole be used in children?
A: Rabeprazole is not recommended for use in children.
Q: Is Rabeprazole safe to use during pregnancy?
A: You should not take the Rabeprazole during pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant and happen to be taking this medicine, consult your doctor immediately.
Q: What is Rabeprazole used for?
A: Rabeprazole is used to provide relief from acidity and heartburn due to stomach acid reflux. It is also used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers caused due to acid reflux disease and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
References
View All
- CDSCO [Internet]. Cdscoonline.gov.in. 2025 [cited 21 Nov 2025]
- Rabeprazole 20mg Gastro-resistant s -Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2025 [cited 21 Nov 2025].
- Rabeprazole 20mg Gastro-resistant s - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2025 [cited 21 Nov 2025]
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