1. How long is it safe to take Rabeprazole?
Rabeprazole is a prescription medicine and should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. However, if you experience any side effects that persist or start bothering you, the doctor might discontinue it or might put you on any alternative antacid. Long-term use can cause weakened bones by reducing bones magnesium and calcium content, so it? advised to take supplements to meet your calcium and magnesium requirements.
2. When should you take Rabeprazole?
Rabeprazole should be taken in the dose and frequency as suggested by your healthcare provider (HCP). The majority of doctors prescribe it to be taken empty stomach for maximum efficacy. Usually, Rabeprazole is available as enteric-coated tablets or capsules, so these formulations should be taken as a whole and not be chewed, broken, or crushed. It might be prescribed for twice-daily administration in certain conditions, so precautions should be taken not to mix it with food and maintain some gap for better results.
3. How long does Rabeprazole stay in your system?
Rabeprazole is usually eliminated from your body within a day. Usually, Rabeprazole has a half-life of around 1 hour in the average population except for people with kidney disorders. So, more than 99% of the drug gets eliminated from the body within 7 hours (~ 7 half-lives). Sustained or delayed-release formulations are designed to produce the effect for a longer duration and take more time for elimination. Therefore, usually, once-daily administration is sufficient to relieve symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux.
4. How much does Rabeprazole cost?
Rabeprazole has been on the market for quite some time, and many pharmaceutical companies manufacture it. The price of one tablet/capsule of Rabeprazole could range from around INR 3 to 15, depending upon the manufacturer and brand value. You can always check with your doctor or chemist for prescribing/dispensing the economic brand.
5. Is Rabeprazole safe in pregnancy?
Rabeprazole is usually not recommended during pregnancy as it may have some negative effects on the fetus. Animal studies have shown harmful pregnancy outcomes using Rabeprazole; however, limited human studies support this observation. Your doctor might assess the benefits and risks associated and can decide accordingly. For more information, you can reach out to our team of consultants for expert opinions on the use of Rabeprazole in pregnancy.
6. Can I take Rabeprazole and ranitidine together?
Both Rabeprazole and ranitidine are used to treat acid reflux and GERD. Studies have shown Rabeprazole is more effective than ranitidine in treating acid-related conditions. You should not self-administer both the medications together as these may cause some side effects, although no interactions have been directly reported. You should inform your doctor if you are already taking ranitidine before starting with Rabeprazole.
7. Does Rabeprazole cause weight gain?
Rabeprazole, like other PPIs, can lead to undesired weight gain. Usually, weight gain is observed in long-term treatment with Rabeprazole; however, few people might gain weight rapidly. If you observe any significant change in your weight, you should inform your doctor. It is recommended to follow lifestyle changes to manage weight gain. Further, you can consult our team of medical experts for opinions on weight gain and ways to manage it.
8. Is Rabeprazole a PPI ( Proton pump inhibitor)?
Yes, Rabeprazole belongs to the PPI class of drugs. PPIs act by blocking the enzyme responsible for the production of acid in your stomach. PPIs, including Rabeprazole, are used to treat conditions caused by hypersecretion of acid in the stomach, such as ulcers, heartburn, acid reflux, GERD, or more severe conditions, etc. You can consult our experts for medical opinions on the uses of Rabeprazole and other PPIs.
9. Can I take Rabeprazole twice a day?
Rabeprazole is to be taken as prescribed by your doctor, depending upon the severity of the disease. Usually, Rabeprazole is prescribed for once-daily administration, empty stomach in the morning. However, it can be prescribed for twice a day administration. Precaution should be taken to avoid an intentional or unintentional overdose of Rabeprazole.
10. Is Rabeprazole taken on an empty stomach?
Yes, generally, doctors prescribe Rabeprazole for empty stomach administration. Empty stomach intake provides maximum efficacy and can quickly give desired results. However, depending on the severity of heartburn and ulcers, your doctor might start medication after meals to start therapy.
