Rabeprazole is typically prescribed to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other disorders associated with excessive production of stomach acid. This includes erosive esophagitis and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Rabeprazole may be prescribed in conjunction with antibiotics (such as amoxicillin) as a treatment for ulcers caused by an H. pylori bacterial infection.

This medication is available under the brand name Aciphex.

Rabeprazole is used for the treatment of conditions caused by too much stomach acid in the body. This includes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenal and gastric ulcers, and erosive esophagitis.

GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth and stomach). This can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus and painful heartburn symptoms.

Duodenal and gastric ulcers are small sores that develop in the stomach or intestines. The most common cause of these sores is a bacterial infection. These forms of ulcers are not caused by stress, spicy foods, or stress. Duodenal and gastric ulcers can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, and nausea.

Erosive esophagitis occurs when the tissue lining the esophagus is damaged. This is usually caused by acid reflux. Erosive esophagitis is a painful condition that can make it hard to swallow. When left untreated, this damage can cause a narrowing of the esophagus and frequent chest pain.

Rabeprazole is also used as a treatment for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome–a rare digestion disorder in which tumors in the small intestine cause excessive production of stomach acid. This can lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, heartburn, and bleeding in the digestive tract. The tumors that cause Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may be cancerous and require treatment right away.

Rabeprazole may also be prescribed in conjunction with antibiotics like amoxicillin as a treatment for ulcers caused by an H. pylori bacterial infection. These are incredibly common infections (affecting nearly 50% of the world’s population at some time) that cause uncomfortable symptoms such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, and bloating. Rabeprazole works with antibiotic medication to heal ulcers in the digestive tract while targeting and eliminating the harmful H. pylori bacterium.

Rabeprazole is classified as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). These drugs work by inhibiting the production of acid made by glands in the stomach lining. By reducing levels of stomach acid in your gastroesophageal system, rabeprazole helps prevent and treat symptoms of acid reflux and GERD such as esophagus inflammation, heartburn, and ulcers.

PPIs may also help to reduce inflammation in the stomach and intestines which can lead to improved healing times for ulcerations. In addition, they are believed to have anti-bacterial effects that can make them useful in controlling Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections.

Beyond this, PPIs are effective in preventing further damage to tissues that could result from prolonged exposure to high levels of gastric acid. In this way, rabeprazole not only helps treat GERD and other problems caused by stomach acid, but it also helps the affected areas heal while preventing further damage.

The use of rabeprazole may cause side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days or become severe.

Common side effects reported when taking rabeprazole include:

• Headache
  
• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Changes in taste
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Constipation
  
• Gas
  
• Loss of appetite
  

More serious side effects of rabeprazole include:

• Rash
  
• Blistering, peeling, or inflamed skin
  
• Severe diarrhea
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Fever
  
• Joint pain
  
• Hoarseness
  
• Swelling (usually in the eyes, face, lips, mouth, throat, or tongue)
  
• Trembling
  
• Sensitivity to sunlight
  
• Changes in urination frequency
  
• Bloody urine
  

If you experience any of the symptoms above, talk to a health care provider right away. These are signs of a serious adverse reaction and medical treatment is required.

As with all prescription medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with rabeprazole. Rabeprazole can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions. Specifically, let your doctor know if you are currently taking any antibiotics, anticoagulants, bisphosphonates, or diuretics.

Specifically, let your doctor know if you are currently taking any antibiotics, anticoagulants, or diuretics. You should not take rabeprazole if you are currently taking rilpivirine (Edurant, Complera, Juluca, Odefseyz).

Finally, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with rabeprazole. If you become pregnant while taking rabeprazole, inform your health care provider immediately. Do not take this medication if you are currently breastfeeding.

Rabeprazole is commonly supplied as a delayed-release capsule. If rabeprazole has been prescribed to your child and they are having a hard time swallowing the medication whole, open the capsule and pour the contents on a tablespoon of soft food such as applesauce or yogurt. You can also pour the contents into a small amount of liquid like Pedialyte or apple juice. Your child should swallow the mixture without chewing.

If rabeprazole has been prescribed in conjunction with an antibiotic as a treatment for ulcers caused by an H. pylori infection, you should take these medications at the same time.

The exact dosage of rabeprazole you will be given depends on your medical history, your age, and the severity of your condition.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Keep all medication bottles out of reach of small children, and at room temperature. Avoid exposing the medication to excess heat or moisture. Seek medical attention right away if you begin to notice chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction (hives, rash, swelling) after taking the medicine.

Do not exceed the dosage prescribed, or discontinue the use of rabeprazole without consulting your health care provider first.

Rabeprazole is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not rabeprazole is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for rabeprazole to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.