Rabez 20 Tab

RABEZ 20 TAB

Name

Common Name: Rabeprazole (20mg) Brand Name: RABEZ 20 TAB Manufacturer: Hetero Drugs Ltd. / Hetero Healthcare Ltd.

Composition

RABEZ 20 TAB contains Rabeprazole 20mg as its active ingredient. Rabeprazole belongs to a class of medicines called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), which work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Uses

RABEZ 20 TAB is primarily prescribed for the treatment of acid-related diseases of the stomach and intestine. These include:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Acid Reflux: To relieve heartburn and acid reflux symptoms and heal damage to the food pipe (erosive oesophagitis) caused by stomach acid.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease: To treat and heal ulcers in the stomach (gastric ulcers) and the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers).
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by excessive acid production in the stomach due to a tumor.
• Helicobacter pylori Infection: Used in combination with antibiotics to eradicate Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can cause ulcers.
• Prevention of Acidity: May prevent acidity associated with the use of painkillers and stress ulcers in critically ill patients.

Dosage and Administration

RABEZ 20 TAB is typically taken once a day, preferably in the morning, about one hour before a meal. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not be chewed, crushed, or split. Your doctor will determine the correct dose and duration of treatment based on your condition and response to the medicine.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal pain/Stomach pain
• Flatulence/Excessive gas
• Weakness or fatigue
• Runny nose or sore throat
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Muscle pain

Serious Side Effects (may occur with long-term use; consult a doctor if experienced):

• Low magnesium levels (symptoms include tiredness, confusion, dizziness, muscle twitches, irregular heartbeat)
• Bone fractures (osteoporosis)
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Signs of kidney problems (decreased urination, edema, lower back pain, nausea, fatigue, rash, or fever)
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
• Signs of liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to rabeprazole or any similar medicines.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have severe liver problems, a stomach tumor, osteoporosis, or kidney issues.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor. Rabez 20mg Tablet may be unsafe during pregnancy and is probably unsafe during breastfeeding.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase stomach acid production and worsen symptoms.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness, sleepiness, or affect vision, which can impair alertness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience these effects.
• Children: Not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, and supplements, to avoid potential interactions. Notably, it may interact with immunosuppressants (like cyclosporine), antineoplastic medications (like methotrexate), and cardiac glycosides (like digoxin). If taking sucralfate, ensure Rabez 20 is taken at least 30 minutes prior.
• Long-term Use: Prolonged use (more than 3 months) can lead to low magnesium levels, and extended use (over a year) may increase the risk of bone fractures and Vitamin B12 deficiency. Regular monitoring of magnesium levels may be advised.
• Lifestyle: To improve symptoms, consider eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding caffeinated drinks, spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, and late-night meals.

Storage

Store RABEZ 20 TAB in a cool and dry place, below 25°C or 30°C, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it out of sight and reach of children and pets. Do not use expired medicine.

RABEZ 20 TAB by HETERO DRUGS LTD: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rabez 20 Tablet used for?

Rabez 20 Tablet, containing Rabeprazole, is primarily used to treat conditions caused by excessive stomach acid. These include duodenal ulcers (sores in the small intestine), gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which causes heartburn and acid reflux, and erosive oesophagitis (damage to the food pipe from stomach acid). It is also used in combination with antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori infections and to manage Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare condition causing severe acid overproduction.

How does Rabez 20 Tablet work?

Rabez 20 Tablet belongs to a class of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It works by blocking the action of an enzyme system in the stomach lining known as the gastric proton pump (H+/K+ ATPase), which is responsible for producing stomach acid. By inhibiting this pump, Rabez 20 Tablet significantly reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach, thereby helping to relieve symptoms, heal ulcers and damaged tissues, and prevent their recurrence.

What is the usual dosage of Rabez 20 Tablet?

The typical adult dosage for many conditions is 20 mg once daily. It should generally be taken orally, swallowed whole with water, and not crushed or chewed. For optimal efficacy, it is often recommended to take it 30 minutes to one hour before a meal, usually in the morning. The exact dose and duration of treatment will be determined by your doctor based on your specific medical condition.

What are the possible side effects of Rabez 20 Tablet?

Common side effects may include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, gas (bloating), weakness, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, or insomnia. Long-term use (typically over 3 months to a year) can lead to more serious side effects such as low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia), vitamin B12 deficiency, and a slightly increased risk of bone fractures. If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent diarrhoea, muscle cramps, or signs of low magnesium (like muscle spasms or irregular heartbeat), consult your doctor immediately.

Is Rabez 20 Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Rabez 20 Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Caution is advised, and you should consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits against the risks and may suggest safer alternatives.

Can Rabez 20 Tablet be taken with other medications?

Rabez 20 Tablet can interact with certain medications. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal products, and supplements you are taking. Significant interactions can occur with antifungal medicines (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), blood thinners (e.g., clopidogrel, warfarin), methotrexate, HIV medicines, rifampicin, digoxin, and cyclosporine. It is generally safe to take with common painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (though ibuprofen is best taken with or after food). Antacids can also be taken, but if you are taking sucralfate, ensure Rabez 20 Tablet is taken at least 30 minutes before it. Avoid taking St. John's wort, a herbal remedy, as it may reduce the effectiveness of Rabez 20 Tablet.

What precautions should be taken while taking Rabez 20 Tablet?

Before starting Rabez 20 Tablet, inform your doctor if you have any liver problems, a stomach tumor, osteoporosis (weak bones), kidney issues, or certain gastrointestinal conditions. Long-term use may require monitoring of magnesium and vitamin B12 levels. Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase stomach acid production and worsen symptoms. This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Rabez 20 Tablet is not recommended for children. Elderly patients should use it with caution due to a potentially higher risk of side effects.

What happens if a dose of Rabez 20 Tablet is missed?

If you take Rabez 20 Tablet once daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. If you take it twice daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is 4 hours or less until your next dose; then take your next dose as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose, as this could increase side effects. Missing doses may reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.

How should Rabez 20 Tablet be stored?

Rabez 20 Tablet should be stored in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. It is important to keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Do not use expired medication.