Why is this medication prescribed? Rabeprazole
is used to treat conditions where the stomach produces
too much acid, including ulcers, gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
How should this medicine be used? Rabeprazole
comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) tablet to
take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day for
4 to 8 weeks, but it is sometimes taken for a longer
time. When taken for ulcers, rabeprazole should be
taken after the morning meal.
Swallow the tablets whole; do
not split, chew, or crush them.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed
for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for
more information.
What special precautions should
I follow?
Before taking rabeprazole,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to rabeprazole, lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole
(Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), or any other
medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription
and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional
supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Be sure to mention any of the following: cyclosporine
(Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Lanoxin), and ketoconazole
(Nizoral). Your doctor may need to change the doses
of your medications or monitor you carefully for
side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had
liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to
become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking rabeprazole, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise,
continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose? Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do
not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Rabeprazole may cause side effects.
Tell your doctor if these symptoms are severe or do
not go away:
- headache
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- constipation
- dry mouth
- increased or decreased appetite
- muscle or bone pain
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
There may be other side effects
from rabeprazole. Call your doctor if you have any
unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container
it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal
of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose In
case of overdose, call your local poison control center
at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or
is not breathing, call local emergency services at
911.
What other information should I know? Keep
all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else take your
medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you
have about refilling your prescription.
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