Sign inBefore taking rabeprazole
Before taking rabeprazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from liver problems.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other similar medicine.
How to take rabeprazole
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take rabeprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken in the morning.
- Swallow rabeprazole tablets whole (not crushed or chewed) with a glass of water.
- Try to take rabeprazole at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you do forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember but do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and will aggravate your condition. If you are a smoker, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about stopping smoking.
- Try to avoid foods and drinks that may upset your stomach such as alcohol, citrus fruits/juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes and spicy food.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with rabeprazole.
Can rabeprazole cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer. If the headache continues speak with your doctor |
| Dizziness | Getting up or moving more slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before you stand |
| Feeling or being sick, abdominal pain | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Flu-like infections, cough, runny or stuffy nose, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, and back pain | If any of these become troublesome, let your doctor know |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store rabeprazole
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Pariet®, Eisai Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised June 2007, accessed February 2009.
- British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.