Rabeprazole Tablet: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Rabeprazole Tablet Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Rabeprazole Tablet?

Rabeprazole Tablet, brand name Rabecid, is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). This medicine blocks the acid-producing pumps (H+/K+ ATPase) in the stomach, reducing gastric acid production. In Pakistan, Rabecid is generally prescribed for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), peptic ulcer disease, and H. pylori eradication.

This is an Rx (prescription-only) medicine. Do not start it on your own without a doctor.

3. Uses

• GERD
• Peptic ulcer disease — stomach or intestinal ulcer
• H. pylori eradication — triple therapy
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome — rare condition in which acid is produced excessively
• NSAID-induced ulcer prophylaxis — to protect against ulcers from pain medicines (ibuprofen, diclofenac)

4. Who Should Take

• Patients who have GERD (chronic acid reflux) and have been prescribed by a doctor
• Patients with peptic ulcer disease
• Patients coming onto triple therapy for H. pylori eradication
• Confirmed patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (specialist care)

5. When NOT to Take

• Allergy to Rabeprazole or any PPI
• Without a doctor's prescription
• During pregnancy or breastfeeding — always consult a doctor
• Never attempt to crush, chew, or break the enteric coating in any way

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• As prescribed — generally 20mg daily before breakfast
• H. pylori triple therapy: as per the doctor's protocol (usually 7-14 days)
• Zollinger-Ellison: higher doses — only on specialist's instructions

• Take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

• Do not exceed the doctor's prescribed limit

Important: This guide is educational. Confirm the exact dose only from a doctor or pharmacist.

7. How to Take

• Take before breakfast — this gives the best effect
• Do not crush or chew the tablet — keep the enteric coating intact
• Swallow whole with water
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember; if the next dose is close, skip it

8. Best Time

• Before breakfast — most effective on an empty stomach
• If taken twice daily (as advised by the doctor) — before breakfast and before dinner

9. Empty Stomach or After Food

Rabeprazole is better taken before food. Acid suppression is more efficient when proton pumps are active. Taking it after food may be less effective.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Hypomagnesemia: After 3+ months of use, muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heartbeat may occur
• Vitamin B12 deficiency: Risk of nerve damage after 2+ years of use
• Bone fractures: Risk of hip, wrist, and spine fracture with long-term high-dose use
• Long-term use: hypomagnesemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, bone fracture risk
• Do not crush or chew the enteric-coated tablet
• Take before food (before breakfast)
• Prolonged use: risk of C. difficile infection

• Taking a PPI alongside a prolonged antibiotic course can increase the risk of C. difficile diarrhea
• See a doctor immediately for severe diarrhea

• Never crush or chew the enteric-coated tablet in any way

11. Precautions

• Storage: Below 30°C, protected from moisture
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Liver disease may require dose adjustment — inform the doctor
• Regular monitoring if on long-term use: magnesium levels, B12

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Flatulence (gas)

• Clostridium difficile diarrhea (watery, severe — prolonged use)
• Hypomagnesemia: muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, seizures (long-term)
• Vitamin B12 deficiency: fatigue, numbness, nerve problems (long-term)
• Bone fractures: hip, wrist, spine (long-term high dose)
• Acute interstitial nephritis: kidney inflammation (rare)

13. Drug Interactions

• Methotrexate: PPIs slow down methotrexate elimination — risk of toxicity; always inform the doctor
• Warfarin: Monitor INR
• Clopidogrel: Rabeprazole is considered safer with clopidogrel than omeprazole — still confirm with doctor
• Iron supplements: Acid suppression reduces iron absorption — keep a time gap
• Antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole): absorption may be reduced

14. When to See Doctor

• Severe watery diarrhea
• Muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat (hypomagnesemia)
• Extreme fatigue, numbness in hands/feet (B12 deficiency)
• Unexplained bone pain or fracture (long-term user)
• Symptoms do not improve within 4 weeks

15. Alternatives

Do not switch to any alternative on your own — consult the doctor.

16. Price in Pakistan

Prices vary by pharmacy, city, and pack size. For the most current price:

• Ask at a local registered pharmacy
• Online: Dawaai.pk, Sehat.com.pk, Dvago.pk
• Search term: "rabeprazole rabecid price pakistan dawaai"

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17. FAQs

Q: What is Rabeprazole used for?

A: Rabeprazole (Rabecid) reduces excess acid in the stomach. It is used for GERD, peptic ulcer, and H. pylori treatment. Do not take without the doctor's advice.

Q: What are the side effects of Rabeprazole?

A: Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, and nausea. Long-term use may cause B12 deficiency and hypomagnesemia. See a doctor for any serious symptom.

Q: How should Rabeprazole be taken?

A: Generally 20mg before breakfast. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Follow the doctor's exact instructions.

Q: Rabeprazole price in Pakistan?

A: Price varies. Check the updated price at Dawaai.pk or a local pharmacy.

Q: How long should Rabeprazole be taken?

A: Usually 4-8 weeks for GERD; 7-14 days for H. pylori triple therapy. Long-term use should only be under the doctor's supervision.

18. Medical Review

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.