Rabeprazole: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More - Healthline

1. Rabeprazole oral tablet is available as both a generic and brand-name drug. Brand name: Aciphex.
2. Rabeprazole also comes as an oral capsule. Both the rabeprazole tablet and capsule are delayed-release. This means the medication is slowly released into your body over time.
3. Rabeprazole is used to treat several gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. These conditions are caused by high levels of acid produced by the stomach.

Rabeprazole oral tablet doesn't cause drowsiness. However, it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of rabeprazole can include:

• headache
• pain in the abdomen (stomach area)
• sore throat
• gas
• infection
• constipation
• diarrhea

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they're more severe or don't go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you're having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Low levels of magnesium (a mineral). Symptoms can include:
  • seizures
  • dizziness
  • irregular or fast heartbeat
  • jitteriness
  • tremors (jerking movements or shaking)
  • muscle weakness
  • spasms of the hands and feet
  • cramps or muscle aches
  • spasm of the voice box, with symptoms such as trouble breathing, coughing, wheezing, hoarse voice, or throat tightness
• Severe diarrhea (caused by infection with C. difficile). Symptoms can include:
  • watery stool
  • stomach pain
  • fever
• Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Symptoms can include:
  • rash on the skin and nose
  • raised, red, scaly, red or purple rash on your body
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Symptoms can include:
  • fever
  • tiredness
  • weight loss
  • blood clots
  • heartburn
• Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN). Symptoms can include:
  • a change in the amount of urine you pass
  • blood in your urine
  • significant weight gain

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

• Severe diarrhea warning: Rabeprazole raises your risk of severe diarrhea. This diarrhea is caused by infection of the intestines by bacteria (Clostridium difficile). Talk to your doctor if you have watery stool, stomach pain, or a fever that doesn't go away.
• Bone fractures warning: If you take several daily doses of rabeprazole for a long period of time (1 year or longer), your risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine is increased. This drug should be used at the lowest dose possible. It should also be used for the shortest time needed.
• Low magnesium levels warning: Rabeprazole can cause low levels in your body of a mineral called magnesium. This usually happens after 1 year of treatment. However, it can occur after you take rabeprazole for 3 months or longer. Low magnesium levels may not cause any symptoms, but serious side effects can occur. These can include muscle spasms, abnormal heart rhythms, or seizures.
• Cutaneous lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus warning: Rabeprazole can cause cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CLE and SLE are autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of CLE can range from a rash on the skin and nose, to a raised, scaly, red or purple rash on certain parts of the body. Symptoms of SLE can include fever, tiredness, weight loss, blood clots, heartburn, and stomach pain. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor.
• Tubulointerstitial nephritis warning: Rabeprazole can cause acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN), which is a condition that affects your kidney function. Symptoms of TIN may include decreased urination, swelling, blood in the urine, nausea, rash, and exhaustion. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

Rabeprazole oral tablet is a prescription drug that's available as the brand-name drug Aciphex. It's also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drug.

Rabeprazole also comes as an oral capsule. Both the rabeprazole tablet and capsule are delayed-release forms. This means the medication is slowly released into your body over time.

Why it's used

Rabeprazole is used to treat several gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. These include:

• heartburn and other symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when acid in your stomach backs up into your esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). This can cause a burning feeling in the chest or throat, a sour taste in the mouth, or burping.
• duodenal ulcers (sores in the first part of the small intestine), including ulcers caused by the bacterium H. pylori.
• conditions that cause the stomach to make too much acid. These include a rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Rabeprazole may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications. When rabeprazole is used to treat an infection caused by the bacterium H. pylori, it's used in combination with two antibiotics. These are amoxicillin and clarithromycin.

How it works

Rabeprazole belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Rabeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid produced in your stomach.

Rabeprazole oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you're taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you're taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with rabeprazole are listed below.

Drugs that you should not use with rabeprazole

Do not take these drugs with rabeprazole. Doing so can cause dangerous effects in the body. Examples of these drugs include:

• HIV drugs such as atazanavir, nelfinavir, or rilpivirine. Using these drugs with rabeprazole can cause very low levels of these drugs in your body. As a result, they won't work as well.

Interactions that increase your risk of side effects

Taking rabeprazole with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from these drugs. Examples of these drugs include:

• HIV drugs such as saquinavir. Using these drugs with rabeprazole can cause very high levels of these drugs in your body. This can result in increased side effects.
• Warfarin. Increased side effects can include a higher INR (blood test result). This could cause abnormal bleeding. Your doctor may monitor your INR more closely.
• Cyclosporine. Your doctor may monitor your cyclosporine blood levels.
• Methotrexate. You may have increased side effects due to high levels of methotrexate in your body. Your doctor may monitor the level of methotrexate in your blood.
• Digoxin. You may have increased side effects due to high levels of digoxin in your body. Your doctor may monitor the level of digoxin in your blood.

Interactions that can make your drugs less effective

When certain drugs are used with rabeprazole, they may not work as well. This is because the amount of these drugs in your body may be decreased. Examples of these drugs include:

• Antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole and itraconazole. Your doctor may advise you to have an acidic drink, such as cola, to help your stomach absorb these drugs. Or your doctor may stop your treatment with rabeprazole while you take these drugs to make sure they work well.
• Mycophenolate mofetil. Your doctor will likely monitor your treatment with mycophenolate mofetil. They may also adjust your dosage.
• Iron salts. Your doctor will likely monitor your iron levels to make sure they stay in a safe range.
• Cancer drugs such as erlotinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib. Your doctor will likely monitor your body's response to these drugs to make sure they work well.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

Rabeprazole oral tablet comes with several warnings.

Allergy warning

Rabeprazole can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

• rash
• swelling of your face
• throat tightness
• trouble breathing

If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don't take this drug again if you've ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with liver problems: If you have liver problems or a history of liver disease, you may not be able to clear this drug from your body well. This may increase the levels of rabeprazole in your body and cause more side effects. If you have severe liver disease, talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: Talk to your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Studies of this drug in pregnant animals have not shown risk to the fetus. However, there is no information available about whether rabeprazole would harm a human pregnancy. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies potential risk.

Call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this drug.

Women who are breastfeeding: Rabeprazole may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For children:

• Rabeprazole tablets can be used in children 12 years and older to treat GERD for up to 8 weeks.
• It hasn't been confirmed that rabeprazole is safe and effective to treat other GI conditions in people younger than 18 years.

This dosage information is for rabeprazole oral tablet. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

• your age
• the condition being treated
• how severe your condition is
• other medical conditions you have
• how you react to the first dose

Forms and strengths

Generic: Rabeprazole

• Form: Oral tablet
• Strengths: 20 mg

Brand: Aciphex

• Form: Oral tablet
• Strengths: 20 mg

Dosage for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

• Typical dosage: 20 mg once daily.
• The length of treatment depends on your condition. It will be different if you have acid-related damage in your esophagus, or if you're only being treated for heartburn symptoms caused by GERD.

Child dosage (ages 12–17 years)

Typical dosage: 20 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks.

Child dosage (ages 0–11 years)

It hasn't been confirmed that rabeprazole tablet is safe and effective to treat GERD in children younger than 12 years.

Dosage for duodenal ulcers

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

Typical dosage: 20 mg once daily after the morning meal for up to 4 weeks.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

It hasn't been confirmed that rabeprazole is safe and effective to treat duodenal ulcers in people younger than 18 years.

Dosage for ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

• Typical dosage: 20 mg twice daily with morning and evening meals for 7 days. To treat ulcers caused by H. pylori, this drug is used in combination with the drugs amoxicillin and clarithromycin.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

It hasn't been confirmed that rabeprazole is safe and effective to treat duodenal ulcers caused by the bacteria H. pylori in people younger than 18 years.

Dosage for conditions that cause the stomach to make too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

• Typical starting dosage: 60 mg once daily.
• Dosage increases: Your doctor will increase your dosage as needed.
• Maximum dosage: 100 mg once daily, or 60 mg twice daily.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

It hasn't been confirmed that rabeprazole is safe and effective to treat stomach acid problems in people younger than 18 years.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Rabeprazole oral tablet is typically used for short-term treatment. In some cases, it may be used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don't take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don't take it at all: The amount of acid in your stomach won't be reduced. As a result, your medical condition won't be controlled.

If you miss doses or don't take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

• tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• flushing (sudden redness and warmth in the face)
• confusion
• headache
• blurry vision
• pain in the abdomen (stomach area)
• nausea or vomiting
• drowsiness

If you think you've taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: You should have less pain in your GI system.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes rabeprazole oral tablets for you.

General

• Don't chew, crush, or split the rabeprazole tablets.
• Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.

Storage

• Store rabeprazole at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
• Don't store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

• Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
• Don't worry about airport X-ray machines. They can't hurt your medication.
• You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
• Don't put this medication in your car's glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

Rabeprazole can decrease the levels of vitamin B-12 in your blood. If you've been taking rabeprazole for more than 3 years, talk with your doctor about whether you should take vitamin B-12 supplements.

Your diet

Rabeprazole can decrease the levels of vitamin B-12 in your blood. If you've been taking rabeprazole for more than 3 years, talk with your doctor about whether you should take vitamin B-12 supplements..

Hidden costs

You may need blood tests to check your magnesium level. The cost of these tests will depend on your insurance coverage.

Insurance

Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.