Rabez D

RABEZ D Capsule by Hetero Healthcare Limited

RABEZ D Capsule is a medication manufactured by Hetero Healthcare Limited, designed to address various acid-related gastrointestinal conditions.

• Name: Rabez D (Brand Name), Rabez D Capsule (Common Name)

• Composition: Each capsule contains two active ingredients: Rabeprazole (20 mg), a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and Domperidone (30 mg), a prokinetic agent.

• Uses: RABEZ D is primarily prescribed for the treatment of acidity, heartburn, indigestion, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is also used to manage stomach ulcers (peptic ulcer disease), duodenal ulcers, and conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The combination works to reduce excess stomach acid, improve digestion, and relieve associated symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and discomfort.

• Dosage and Administration: This medicine is typically taken orally, usually as a whole capsule swallowed with a glass of water. It is recommended to take it approximately 30 minutes before breakfast. The capsule should not be crushed, chewed, or split. The exact dosage and duration should be strictly followed as advised by a healthcare professional.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, flatulence, and muscle spasms. Most side effects are temporary and resolve upon discontinuation. Serious but less common effects from prolonged use can include weakened bones and deficiencies in magnesium and Vitamin B12.

• Precautions: Patients should avoid RABEZ D if they have known allergies to rabeprazole, domperidone, or any other components. Caution is advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with liver, kidney, or heart conditions. Alcohol consumption should be limited or avoided as it can exacerbate acidity and certain side effects. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all other medications being taken, especially blood thinners, antifungals, anti-HIV drugs, and iron supplements, to prevent potential drug interactions. RABEZ D is generally not recommended for children under 16-18 years of age.

• Storage: Store RABEZ D capsules in a cool, dry place, ideally below 25°C, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. It should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. Always check the expiry date before use.

What is RABEZ D used for?

RABEZ D, a combination of rabeprazole and domperidone, is primarily used to treat various acidity-related conditions and gastrointestinal disorders. These include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, heartburn, peptic ulcer disease (gastric and duodenal ulcers), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a condition causing excessive acid production), indigestion, nausea, vomiting, fullness of the stomach, bloating, and gas. It can also be prescribed for ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori infection or NSAID use.

How does RABEZ D work?

RABEZ D combines two active ingredients with different mechanisms:

• Rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It works by blocking a specific enzyme system, the H+/K+ ATPase (also known as the gastric proton pump), which is responsible for secreting stomach acid.
• Domperidone is a prokinetic agent and a dopamine antagonist. It increases the movements and contractions of the stomach and intestines, helping food move more easily through the digestive tract. It also blocks the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), which is a part of the brain responsible for inducing vomiting, thereby helping to control nausea and vomiting. Together, these components address both excess acid production and impaired gastrointestinal motility.

What is the usual dosage for RABEZ D?

RABEZ D is typically taken once a day, preferably 30-60 minutes before a meal, especially before breakfast. In some cases, a physician might prescribe it up to twice a day. The exact dosage and duration of treatment will be determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, age, and response to the medication. It is important to swallow the capsule whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking it.

What are the possible side effects of RABEZ D?

Common side effects of RABEZ D may include headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence (gas), dizziness, dry mouth, weakness, joint pain, cough, sore throat, skin rash, infection, itching, painful or tender breasts, and back pain. Most of these are usually temporary and resolve over time.

More serious but rare side effects can occur, such as an irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation), severe allergic reactions, muscle weakness, and severe diarrhea (which could be due to a Clostridium difficile infection). Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors like rabeprazole may also be associated with deficiencies in vitamin B12 and magnesium, and an increased risk of bone fractures. If any side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience unusual heart symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

Is RABEZ D safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

• Pregnancy: RABEZ D is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless your doctor considers it essential and the potential benefits outweigh the risks, as there is limited safety data for rabeprazole. A similar medicine, omeprazole, might be recommended instead, as more safety information is available for it during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: RABEZ D should be used with caution while breastfeeding. Both domperidone and rabeprazole can pass into breast milk in small amounts. Domperidone, in particular, has been associated with cardiac risks, and the FDA cautions against its use to increase milk production. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing RABEZ D if you are breastfeeding.

Can RABEZ D be taken with other medications?

RABEZ D can interact with several other medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking or plan to take.

Significant interactions can occur with:

• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel), increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Anti-HIV drugs (e.g., atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, rilpivirine), which may have reduced effectiveness or increased exposure.
• Certain antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole) and antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin, azithromycin, levofloxacin), which can affect the absorption or blood levels of RABEZ D components.
• Cardiac medications that prolong the QT interval (e.g., amiodarone, quinidine, procainamide), as domperidone can increase the risk of irregular heartbeat.
• Antidepressants (e.g., duloxetine, SSRIs) and the herbal supplement St. John's wort.
• Digoxin, whose levels may be increased.
• Antacids can generally be taken, but it's advisable to maintain a gap of at least two hours between taking RABEZ D and antacids.

What precautions should be taken while taking RABEZ D?

• Do not take RABEZ D if you are allergic to rabeprazole, domperidone, or any other ingredients in the medicine.
• Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart conditions (such as cardiac arrhythmias, QT prolongation, or heart failure), liver disease (it is contraindicated in moderate to severe liver impairment), kidney disease, stomach or intestinal cancer, a history of bone fractures or osteoporosis, low vitamin B12 or magnesium levels, pituitary tumors (prolactinomas), Clostridium difficile-associated colitis, or gastrointestinal bleeding/obstruction.
• Prolonged use may require regular monitoring for vitamin B12 and magnesium levels, and bone density.
• Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking, as they can worsen acidity and potentially increase side effects.
• RABEZ D may cause dizziness or sleepiness, so exercise caution when driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• This medicine is generally not recommended for children below certain age limits without professional medical guidance.

What happens if a dose of RABEZ D is missed?

If you miss a dose of RABEZ D, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. For rabeprazole, if taking once daily, skip if the next dose is due in less than 12 hours. If taking twice daily, skip if it's 4 hours or less until your next dose. For domperidone, skip if less than 2 hours before the next dose is due.

How should RABEZ D be stored?

RABEZ D should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and out of the reach and sight of children and pets. The recommended storage temperature is generally below 25°C or 30°C. Ensure you check the expiry date and discard any expired medicine.