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Introduction of
Rabeprazole sodium
Rabeprazole sodium
blocks acid production in the stomach. It is prescribed for
the short-term (4 to 8 weeks) treatment of sores and
inflammation in the upper digestive canal (esophagus). This
condition, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is
caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus over
a prolonged period of time. Because GERD can be chronic, your
doctor may continue to prescribe Rabeprazole sodium to prevent
a relapse after your initial course of treatment and to
relieve symptoms of GERD such as heartburn.
Rabeprazole sodium can also be prescribed for the short-term
(up to 4 weeks) treatment of duodenal ulcers (ulcers that form
just outside the stomach at the top of the small intestine),
and for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a disease which causes the
stomach to produce too much acid. The drug is classified as a
"proton pump inhibitor." It works by blocking a specific
enzyme essential to the production of stomach acid. It begins
reducing acid within an hour of administration.
Rabeprazole sodium is sometimes combined with the antibiotics
amoxicillin and clarithromycin to treat infections caused by
H. pylori, a type of bacteria that lives in the digestive
tract and is often associated with recurrent ulcers.
Most important fact about Rabeprazole sodium
Rabeprazole sodium will work even if your symptoms are caused
by a serious condition such as stomach cancer. For that
reason, doctors are warned to rule out cancer whenever
prescribing Rabeprazole sodium.
How should you take Rabeprazole sodium
Take Rabeprazole sodium once a day, with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole; it should not be crushed, chewed, or
split. You can continue taking antacids during Rabeprazole
sodium therapy.
If you're using Rabeprazole sodium along with amoxicillin and
clarithromycin, take all three drugs at the same time twice a
day, once in the morning and again in the evening. This
three-drug regimen should be taken with meals.
Storage instructions for Rabeprazole sodium
Rabeprazole sodium should be stored at room temperature and
protected from moisture.
Side effects of Rabeprazole sodium
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change
in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your
doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking
Rabeprazole sodium. Headache is the most common side effect of
Rabeprazole sodium, occurring in two people out of 100.
Why should Rabeprazole sodium not be prescribed
If Rabeprazole sodium gives you an allergic reaction, you will
not be able to use it.
Special warnings about Rabeprazole sodium
If you have stomach ulcers caused by the H. pylori bacteria,
Rabeprazole sodium could make the condition slightly worse.
The doctor may order a test for H. pylori before prescribing
Rabeprazole sodium. If you test positive, the doctor may
prescribe antibiotics along with Rabeprazole sodium.
Rabeprazole sodium has not been tested in children under 18
years of age.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Rabeprazole
sodium
If Rabeprazole sodium is taken with certain other drugs, the
effects of either could be increase, decreased, or altered. It
is especially important to check with your doctor before
combining Rabeprazole sodium with the following:
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Rabeprazole sodium during pregnancy have not
been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. The drug may appear
in breast milk and should not be taken while you're
breastfeeding.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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