rabeprazole sodium at a glance
Medicine class
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Licensed roles
Reflux disease, peptic ulcers, Zollinger–Ellison syndrome and H. pylori eradication with appropriate antibiotics
Tablet handling
Gastro-resistant tablets must be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed
What is rabeprazole sodium used for?
The selected products are licensed for:
Active duodenal ulcer or benign gastric ulcer
Erosive or ulcerative gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and maintenance after healing
Symptom relief in moderate to very severe GORD
Zollinger–Ellison syndrome
Eradication of H. pylori in people with peptic ulcer disease, alongside appropriate antibiotics
How does rabeprazole sodium work?
Rabeprazole concentrates in the stomach’s acid-producing parietal cells and inhibits the H+/K+-ATPase proton pump. This reduces resting and meal-stimulated acid secretion, helping reflux-related inflammation and ulcers to heal.
rabeprazole sodium preparations and strengths
Gastro-resistant tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg
How to take rabeprazole sodium
Follow the directions on the dispensing label and swallow each gastro-resistant tablet whole with water. Do not split, crush or chew it because the coating protects acid-sensitive rabeprazole until it has left the stomach.
Food has not shown a clinically relevant effect on rabeprazole absorption or activity, although product instructions may specify administration before food.
Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about an alternative PPI formulation if swallowing whole tablets is difficult; suitable licensed rabeprazole formulations are not available for this purpose.
rabeprazole sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or dizziness
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation or wind
- Difficulty sleeping
- Cough, sore throat or runny nose
- Weakness, flu-like symptoms or back pain
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction with swelling, breathing difficulty, fainting or collapse
- Severe blistering, peeling skin or mouth ulcers
- Severe watery or bloody diarrhoea with fever or abdominal tenderness
- Frequent infections, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising or bleeding, which may indicate a blood-cell disorder
- Yellow skin or eyes, which may indicate liver injury
- A sun-sensitive rash with joint pain
- Tubulointerstitial nephritis, which can progress to kidney failure
rabeprazole sodium in pregnancy
Seek prescriber advice before using rabeprazole during pregnancy. Product information differs: the generic product lists pregnancy as a contraindication, while Pariet permits use only when the expected benefit outweighs remaining uncertainty. Pregnancy information finds no good evidence that PPIs as a group increase major adverse pregnancy outcomes, but omeprazole is generally preferred because more safety information is available.
rabeprazole sodium while breastfeeding
Selected product information says rabeprazole should not be used during breastfeeding. Specialist lactation guidance considers it usable with caution for a full-term, healthy infant, but prefers omeprazole or pantoprazole because supporting evidence is greater. Check product-specific and clinical advice with a prescriber or pharmacist.
rabeprazole sodium interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products with a pharmacist. Important examples include:
Atazanavir
Rabeprazole may substantially reduce atazanavir exposure, so the selected product information advises against using them together.
Ketoconazole or itraconazole
Reduced stomach acidity may lower absorption and blood concentrations of these antifungals, requiring clinical review.
Common questions about rabeprazole sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is rabeprazole sodium the same as Pariet?
Pariet is a brand containing rabeprazole sodium. Different manufacturers’ products may vary in appearance, excipients, packaging and storage requirements.
Can rabeprazole sodium tablets be crushed or chewed?
No. They are gastro-resistant tablets and must be swallowed whole so that the coating remains intact.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.