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Rabeprazole (ra BE pray zole) reduces stomach acid and is used to help heal
and relieve the discomfort of severe heartburn or acid reflux (esophagitis)
and peptic ulcers. In the treatment of peptic ulcers, it is often used in
combination with antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria, which cause
ulcers. It is also used to treat conditions in which too much acid is
produced, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
For the treatment of ulcers or acid reflux, this medication is usually
taken once daily in the morning, before breakfast. For the treatment of
other disorders, two doses each day, taken before the morning and evening
meals may be required.
This medication may be taken with food or on an empty stomach, but it is
preferable to take it before a meal to make therapy most effective.
Antacids may be taken as well, if needed for stomach discomfort.
The tablets must be swallowed whole with fluid. Do not crush, split or chew
the tablets.
Relief of pain may not indicate healing of ulcers or gastrointestinal
damage. A full course of treatment, usually for 4 to 8 weeks, must be
completed to ensure healing. You may need to continue taking the medication
after initial healing in order to prevent recurrence of the problem.
If you are taking this medication in combination with antibiotics, for
treatment of peptic ulcer, make sure you take all medications for the
prescribed length of time, even if you feel better. This ensures that the
bacteria that cause ulcer formation have been eliminated and reduces the
chance of ulcer recurrence.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if
it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed
one.
Side effects are not common when rabeprazole is used alone; headache,
nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, nasal congestion, rash, and
dizziness may occur in some people. If you are taking antibiotics with
rabeprazole, these medications may also cause side effects. If any unusual
or persistent effects occur, notify your physician.
Tell your physician if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you
wish to breast-feed your baby.
Keep tablets in the original container at room temperature, away from
moisture, and out of the reach of children.
If you have experienced any unexpected or serious reaction to this drug,
this can be reported to Health Canada's monitoring program (toll free
telephone 1-866-234-2345, toll free fax 1-866-678-6789). Note that this is
not an emergency number.
