Rabeprazole

Rabeprazole is used for:

Treating heartburn or irritation of the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It may be used for short-term treatment of ulcers of the small intestine. It may be used with certain antibiotics to treat ulcers of the small intestine and to help prevent them from coming back. It may be used to treat conditions that cause your body to make too much stomach acid (eg, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. It works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Use Rabeprazole as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Take Rabeprazole by mouth with or without food.

* Swallow Rabeprazole whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

* You may take antacids while you are taking Rabeprazole if you are directed to do so by your doctor.

* If you also take an imidazole antifungal (eg, ketoconazole), take it at least 2 hours before taking Rabeprazole .

* If you also take sucralfate, take Rabeprazole at least 30 minutes before taking sucralfate.

* Continue to take Rabeprazole even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

* If you miss a dose of Rabeprazole , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Rabeprazole . * Rabeprazole may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Rabeprazole with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

* Contact your doctor if you have any symptoms of a bleeding ulcer, such as black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or if you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or trouble swallowing.

* Rabeprazole may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Rabeprazole .

* Rabeprazole should be used with extreme caution in Asian patients; the risk of side effects may be increased in these patients.

* Rabeprazole should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Rabeprazole while you are pregnant. It is not known if Rabeprazole is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Rabeprazole .

Store Rabeprazole at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Rabeprazole out of the reach of children and away from pets.