Rabeprazole

About Rabeprazole

This belongs to the group of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors.

Rabeprazole is used to treat certain conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach, such as; stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers), ulcers of the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcers) and reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux or heartburn).

Acid is produced naturally in the stomach to help digest food. Excessive amounts of acid can irritate the stomach lining, causing inflammation, ulcers and other conditions. Rabeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, relieving pain and helping to repair the damage.

Rabeprazole is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Pariet. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before 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 have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Rabeprazole

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Rabeprazole can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow rabeprazole tablets whole (not crushed or chewed) with a glass of water.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember then continue as normal. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose on time.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of rabeprazole contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not stop taking rabeprazole without speaking to your doctor first.
• Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as rabeprazole. Take them at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of rabeprazole.
• Rabeprazole can cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Rabeprazole can cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If your mouth becomes too dry, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and will aggravate your condition.
• Rabeprazole may cause you to sweat more than you usually do. Take care not to become overheated in hot weather or during exercise.
• Try to avoid foods that may upset your stomach such as, alcohol, citrus fruits/juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes or spicy food.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside rabeprazole.

Can Rabeprazole cause problems?

Diarrhoea, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), constipation, flatulence (excess wind), tummy pain, headache, skin rashes, itching, dizziness, swollen extremities (fingers and toes etc.), muscle and joint pain, general feeling of being unwell, blurred vision, depression, dry mouth, swollen mouth, chest pain, cough, a sore or runny nose, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, drowsiness, weakness, disturbance of taste, loss of appetite, flu-like symptoms, sweating or weight gain.

Very occasionally people can have an allergic reaction to rabeprazole. If you develop any swelling of the face or mouth, or experience any breathlessness or an increased heart rate stop taking rabeprazole and contact your doctor at once

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Rabeprazole

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Either discard them safely and out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.
• Rabeprazole should be stored at room temperature.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 11/12/2002