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Rabeprazole
What is Rabeprazole for?
It strongly inhibits the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach by blocking the proton pumps in stomach cells. It acts as a first line drug for peptic ulcer. It can also be prescribed for prophylaxis of gastric ulcer when patients need to take drugs that cause gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (such as aspirin).
How to use it?
Rabeprazole is available in tablet form for oral use. The tablets should be swallowed as whole and do not crush, chew or divide. If you are using it for duodenal ulcers, take it after a meal. If you are using it for H. pylori-associated peptic ulcer, take it with breakfast and dinner.
Erosive oesophagitis
Adult and elderly
The initial dose is 20 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks. The maintenance dose is 10-20 mg once daily adjusted based on body response.
H. pylori-associated peptic ulcer
Adult and elderly
20 mg twice daily for 7 days together with Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin.
Peptic ulcer
Adult and elderly
Duodenal ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks.
Gastric ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 6-12 weeks.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Adult and elderly
60 mg daily, can be adjusted up to 100 mg once daily or 120 mg in 2 doses.
GERD
Child above 12 years of age, adult and elderly
The initial dose is 20 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks. The maintenance dose is 10-20 mg once daily adjusted based on body response. For those who are symptomatic without oesophagitis, 10-20 mg once daily for 4 weeks. When the symptoms are gone, 10 mg once daily as needed.
Child at 1-11 years of age and weighed less than 15 kg
5 mg once daily, and may increase up to 10 mg once daily if needed, for up to 12 weeks.
Child at 1-11 years of age and weighed more than 15 kg
10 mg once daily for up to 12 weeks.
What are the side effects of Rabeprazole?
Common side effects of Rabeprazole include abdominal pain, GI discomfort, dry mouth, cough and headache. Burping, nervousness and hepatic encephalopathy are unlikely to occur.
Who should not take Rabeprazole?
- People who are allergic to Rabeprazole, other substituted benzimidazoles or any components in the formulation.
- People on Rilpivirine-containing products.
Pharmacist Tips:
- Rabeprazole is available in delayed-release and immediate-release formulations, which can have very different regimens and dosing schedules.
- There is a risk of osteoporosis for Rabeprazole users at an advanced age. Make sure to take enough calcium and vitamin D.
- Rabeprazole may mask the alarming symptoms of gastric cancer. It should be eliminated before treatment.
- Rabeprazole may be taken with an antacid like Magnesium hydroxide and Aluminium hydroxide.
- The tablets should be swallowed as a whole and do not crush, chew or divide.
Common dosing schedule:
Take it once or twice daily. Usually, it does not differ much whether you take it with or without food. If you are using it for duodenal ulcers, take it after a meal. If you are using it for H. pylori-associated peptic ulcer, take it with breakfast and dinner.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Rabeprazole may interact with:
- Antivirals, e.g. Atazanavir, Acyclovir
- Dipyridamole
- Azole antifungals, e.g. Itraconazole, Ketoconazole
- Methotrexate
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
Where to buy Rabeprazole in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, Rabeprazole is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Rabeprazole in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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