Rabefour
Generic Name
Rabeprazole Sodium
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| rabefour 20 mg capsule | ৳ 8.00 | ৳ 80.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Active duodenal ulcer: 20 mg once daily in the morning for 4-8 weeks. Active benign gastric ulcer: 20 mg once daily in the morning for 6-12 weeks. GERD: 20 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks. H. pylori eradication: 20 mg twice daily in combination with antibiotics for 7 days.
Elderly
No special dosage adjustment is required for elderly patients.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment.
How to Take
Take the tablet whole, do not crush or chew it. It is usually taken once daily in the morning before breakfast. For H. pylori eradication, it is taken twice daily, usually with meals.
Mechanism of Action
Rabeprazole belongs to a class of antisecretory compounds, the substituted benzimidazoles, that do not exhibit anticholinergic or H2-histamine antagonistic properties, but suppress gastric acid secretion by inhibiting the gastric H+, K+-ATPase (the proton pump) at the secretory surface of the parietal cell. This effect is dose-related and leads to inhibition of both basal and stimulated acid secretion.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Onset of acid suppression within 1 hour.
Excretion
Approximately 90% is excreted in the urine, mainly as metabolites, and the remainder in feces.
Half life
Approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 2 to 4 hours. Bioavailability is about 52%.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver via cytochrome P450 (CYP2C19 and CYP3A4) oxidation pathways.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to rabeprazole, substituted benzimidazoles, or any component of the formulation.
- Patients with known malignancy of the stomach.
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Increased digoxin exposure.
Warfarin
Increased INR and prothrombin time.
Clopidogrel
Reduced antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel.
Methotrexate
Increased and prolonged elevation of methotrexate and/or its metabolite serum levels.
Atazanavir/Nelfinavir
Reduced plasma levels of antiretroviral drugs.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
There is no specific antidote for rabeprazole overdose. In cases of overdose, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Use with caution during pregnancy if clearly needed. It is not known whether rabeprazole is excreted in human breast milk; a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 months
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent
Clinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated Rabeprazole's efficacy in treating various acid-related disorders and its safety profile.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum magnesium levels (especially with prolonged use)
- Vitamin B12 levels (for long-term therapy)
- Bone mineral density (for long-term therapy)
Doctor Notes
- Consider lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
- Regularly assess the need for continued PPI therapy, especially for long-term use.
- Advise patients on lifestyle modifications to manage GERD symptoms.
Patient Guidelines
- Take as directed by your doctor, usually once daily before your first meal.
- Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet.
- Complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
- Inform your doctor about any unusual side effects or if your symptoms do not improve.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Rabeprazole is generally considered safe for driving, but if you experience dizziness or visual disturbances, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn (e.g., spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods).
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating.
- Elevate the head of your bed.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.