Rabemac 10

RABEMAC 10 is a medication manufactured by MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD., primarily used to manage conditions related to excessive stomach acid.

• Name

  • Brand Name: RABEMAC 10
  • Common Name: Rabeprazole (as Rabeprazole Sodium)

• Composition Each enteric-coated tablet contains Rabeprazole Sodium equivalent to 10 mg of Rabeprazole. Rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

• Uses RABEMAC 10 is prescribed for the treatment of various acid-related disorders, including:

  • Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), including erosive, ulcerative, and symptomatic forms, as well as for long-term maintenance.
  • Peptic ulcers, specifically active duodenal and benign gastric ulcers.
  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition characterized by excessive stomach acid production.
  • In combination with antibiotics, it is used for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with peptic ulcer disease.
  • Prevention of ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

• Dosage and Administration The typical dosage for adults is 10 mg or 20 mg once daily, depending on the condition being treated and the patient's response. For H. pylori eradication, it is usually taken as 20 mg twice daily for 7 days, along with specific antibiotics. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water, ideally before the morning meal, and should not be crushed or chewed.

• Side Effects

  • Common: Headache, abdominal pain, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, dizziness, and fatigue.
  • Serious: Long-term use may lead to low magnesium levels (hypomagnesaemia), bone fractures, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Other serious but less common side effects include severe diarrhea (due to Clostridium difficile infection) and lupus erythematosus.

• Precautions Consult a doctor if you have liver problems, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Long-term use requires medical supervision due to increased risks. RABEMAC 10 should not be used in children under 12 years. It may interact with certain medications, including HIV drugs, antifungals, and some anti-cancer drugs. Drowsiness may occur, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

• Storage Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not store above 30°C.

RABEMAC 10, manufactured by MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD., is a medication containing Rabeprazole 10mg. It belongs to a class of drugs known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), which work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Here are some frequently asked questions about RABEMAC 10:

What is RABEMAC 10 used for?

RABEMAC 10 is primarily used to treat conditions caused by excessive stomach acid. These include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes heartburn and acid reflux, stomach and intestinal ulcers (peptic ulcers), and erosive oesophagitis (damage to the food pipe from stomach acid). It is also used in combination with antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori infection, a bacteria that can cause ulcers, and to manage Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare condition causing increased stomach acid production.

How does RABEMAC 10 work?

RABEMAC 10 contains Rabeprazole, which is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by blocking the action of specific cells in the stomach lining called proton pumps, which are responsible for producing acid. By inhibiting these pumps, Rabemac 10 significantly reduces the amount of acid in the stomach, helping to relieve symptoms, heal existing ulcers, and prevent new ones from forming.

What is the usual dosage for RABEMAC 10?

The usual adult starting dose for RABEMAC 10 is 10 mg once daily, typically taken before a meal. For some conditions like GERD, the dose might be 10 mg once daily for patients without oesophagitis, and 20 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks for erosive or ulcerative GERD. For duodenal ulcers, it's often 20 mg once a day after the morning meal for up to 4 weeks. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on your specific condition and response to the medicine, as determined by your doctor. It should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.

What are the possible side effects of RABEMAC 10?

Common side effects of RABEMAC 10 include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, dizziness, and flatulence (gas). These are usually mild and often resolve on their own. Less common but more serious side effects can include severe diarrhea with stomach pain, allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling), signs of frequent infections, and low magnesium levels (with long-term use). Long-term use (over a year) may also increase the risk of bone fractures and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Is RABEMAC 10 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

RABEMAC 10 is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy. It should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and consultation with a doctor is advised. Similarly, it is generally considered probably unsafe or not recommended during breastfeeding, as it's unclear if it passes into breast milk and its effects on breastfed infants are not well-established. Safer alternatives may be prescribed by your doctor.

Can RABEMAC 10 be taken with other medications?

RABEMAC 10 can interact with other medicines. Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal preparations you are taking. It may interact with medicines for HIV infections (like Atazanavir, Nelfinavir, Rilpivirine), antifungals (like Ketoconazole or Itraconazole), and the anticoagulant Warfarin, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or reducing the effectiveness of these drugs. Long-term use can also affect the absorption of vitamin B12 and potentially increase the risk of bone fractures, especially if you are taking corticosteroids. If taking antacids, they can be taken along with Rabemac 10, but if taking sucralfate, Rabemac 10 should be taken at least 30 minutes before it.

What precautions should be taken when using RABEMAC 10?

Inform your doctor if you have liver problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, osteoporosis, or any tumors in your stomach. Rabemac 10 may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so it's advisable to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Avoid consuming large quantities of alcohol as it can worsen stomach acidity. It's important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence.

What happens if a dose of RABEMAC 10 is missed?

If you miss a dose of RABEMAC 10, take it as soon as you remember, provided you are on an empty stomach. 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 dose.

How should RABEMAC 10 be stored?

RABEMAC 10 should be stored below 25°C, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Do not use expired medicines and discard any unused medicine properly.