rabeprazole delayed-release – oral, Aciphex
Medication Uses: Rabeprazole is used to treat stomach and esophagus problems like acid reflux and ulcers. It decreases the amount of acid your stomach makes, relieving symptoms such as heartburn and difficulty swallowing. This medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, prevents ulcers, and may help prevent esophageal cancer. Rabeprazole belongs to the class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
How To Use: Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before starting rabeprazole. Take your dose by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times daily. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or split it. For capsules, take the dose 30 minutes before a meal. Open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount of soft food or liquid. Swallow within 15 minutes. Do not chew or crush the mixture. The dosage and length of treatment depend on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight. Use antacids if needed, but take rabeprazole at least 30 minutes before sucralfate. Take this medication regularly at the same time(s) each day. Continue even if you feel better. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects: Headache may occur. If this persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Serious side effects may include symptoms of low magnesium blood level and severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria. Allergic reaction is rare but seek medical help right away if you notice symptoms like rash, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of other effects. Report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (US) or Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345 (Canada).
Precautions: Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to rabeprazole or similar drugs, or if you have any other allergies. Discuss your medical history, especially liver disease. Seek medical help right away if you have heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain, unexplained weight loss. Rabeprazole may increase the risk for bone fractures, so talk to your doctor about prevention. Inform your doctor or dentist about all products you use before surgery. During pregnancy, use only when clearly needed. It is unknown if rabeprazole passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Methotrexate may interact with this drug. Rabeprazole decreases stomach acid and may change how certain products work. This includes ampicillin, atazanavir, erlotinib, nelfinavir, rilpivirine, and certain azole antifungals. Keep a list of all products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Notes: Do not share this medication with others. Follow your doctor’s instructions for long-term use and attend regular medical and laboratory appointments.
QUESTION
Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose.
Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Properly discard expired or no longer needed medication. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Selected from First Databank, Inc. This material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution without authorization.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or starting or discontinuing any treatment.
