Rabemax
Generic Name
Rabeprazole
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| rabemax 20 mg tablet | ৳ 7.00 | ৳ 98.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Rabemax 20 mg Tablet contains Rabeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is used to treat conditions such as heartburn, acid reflux (GERD), stomach and duodenal ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
GERD: 20 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks. Duodenal Ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 4-6 weeks. H. pylori eradication: 20 mg twice daily in combination with antibiotics. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Initial 60 mg once daily, adjusted as needed.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment is generally required for elderly patients, but caution should be exercised in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment.
How to Take
Take Rabemax 20 mg tablet orally, swallowed whole with water. Do not chew, crush, or split the tablet. It is usually taken once daily before a meal, preferably in the morning.
Mechanism of Action
Rabeprazole inhibits the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme system (proton pump) located at the secretory surface of the gastric parietal cells. This inhibition blocks the final step of gastric acid secretion, leading to a decrease in both basal and stimulated acid production.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Onset of acid suppression within 1 hour; full effect reached within 2-4 days of daily dosing.
Excretion
Excreted primarily via urine (approximately 90%) and feces (approximately 10%).
Half life
Plasma elimination half-life is approximately 1-2 hours, but the duration of acid suppression is much longer.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Bioavailability is about 52% and is not significantly affected by food.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2C19 and CYP3A4).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to rabeprazole or any other proton pump inhibitor (PPI).
- Not recommended for immediate relief of heartburn.
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Increased absorption of digoxin due to rabeprazole-induced increase in gastric pH.
Warfarin
Reports of increased INR and prothrombin time; monitor patients closely.
Clopidogrel
Rabeprazole may reduce the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel, though less than other PPIs like omeprazole.
Methotrexate
Increased and prolonged serum levels of methotrexate, particularly with high doses.
Ketoconazole/Itraconazole
Reduced absorption of these antifungals due to rabeprazole-induced increase in gastric pH.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
There is limited experience with rabeprazole overdose. Symptomatic and supportive treatment should be given in case of overdose. No specific antidote is known.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is unknown whether rabeprazole is excreted in human breast milk; therefore, exercise caution when administered to a nursing woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, specified on the packaging.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent (for generic rabeprazole)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Rabeprazole has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in the treatment of various acid-related disorders, including GERD, peptic ulcers, and H. pylori eradication.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum magnesium levels (especially with long-term use, as PPIs can cause hypomagnesemia).
- Liver function tests (in patients with hepatic impairment).
Doctor Notes
- Evaluate patients for underlying malignancies before initiating PPI therapy, as symptom relief may mask serious conditions.
- Periodically reassess the need for continued PPI therapy, especially for long-term use, and consider tapering the dose if appropriate.
- Monitor for adverse effects such as hypomagnesemia and C. difficile infection, particularly in elderly or immunocompromised patients.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or split it.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- Report any persistent or worsening symptoms, or severe side effects, to your doctor immediately.
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 double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Rabemax may cause dizziness or visual disturbances in some patients. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid trigger foods such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods that worsen your symptoms.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones.
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating; wait at least 2-3 hours.
- Elevate the head of your bed to reduce nighttime reflux symptoms.
- Limit alcohol consumption and stop smoking, as these can aggravate acid reflux.
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Global Brand Names
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