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Rabeprazole

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Rabeprazole reduces the amount of acid in the stomach.
Swallow the tablets whole - do not chew or crush them.

About rabeprazole

Type of medicine	Proton pump inhibitor
Used for	Stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) Ulcers of the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcers) Reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux or heartburn) Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcer disease Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (too much stomach acid)
Also called	Pariet®
Available as	Tablets

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.

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 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

Important: If you experience any unexplained bruising, speak with your doctor or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

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

If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 3197

DocRef: dils2006

Last Reviewed: 5 Mar 2009

Version: 22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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