Rabeprazole

Introduction

Written by Lee Holland, PharmD, MPH
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Updated on October 11, 2023

Rabeprazole (ra BEP ra zole) is a generic medication prescribed for certain gastrointestinal conditions. Rabeprazole belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors.

Side effects of rabeprazole

Rabeprazole may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of rabeprazole and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about rabeprazole’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for rabeprazole listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with rabeprazole are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about rabeprazole’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for rabeprazole listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Rabeprazole delayed-release† oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• headache
• abdominal pain
• gas
• constipation
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for rabeprazole” section.

†Delayed release means the drug is released into your body slowly over time.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of rabeprazole are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about rabeprazole’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for rabeprazole listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, rabeprazole’s serious side effects include:

• serious skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which may be life threatening
• a bowel infection called Clostridioides difficile infection
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for rabeprazole” section.

Common questions about rabeprazole

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about rabeprazole.

Is rabeprazole similar to omeprazole or pantoprazole?

Yes, rabeprazole, omeprazole, and pantoprazole are all proton pump inhibitors. However, they are not approved to treat the same gastrointestinal conditions.

Rabeprazole is used to treat the following in adults and children ages 12 years and older:

• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach contents, including acid, flow back from your stomach into your mouth

Rabeprazole is also approved to treat the following in adults:

• damage caused by GERD, such as an inflamed or irritated esophagus
• intestinal ulcers (sores in the lining of the intestines)
• conditions where the stomach makes too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Rabeprazole also helps reduce the chance of getting intestinal ulcers due to Helicobacter pylori (a bacterial infection in the stomach).

Omeprazole is approved to treat:

• stomach and intestinal ulcers in adults
• GERD and esophageal damage from GERD in children ages 2 years and older
• conditions where the stomach makes too much acid in adults

Like rabeprazole, omeprazole also helps reduce the risk of getting intestinal ulcers due to H. pylori in adults.

Pantoprazole is approved to treat:

• esophageal damage from GERD and other conditions that cause the stomach to make too much acid
• esophageal damage from GERD in children ages 5 years and older

If you have questions about rabeprazole, omeprazole, and pantoprazole, please talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does rabeprazole work? And how long does it take to start working?

Rabeprazole works by preventing certain cells in the lining of the stomach from pumping out too much stomach acid. It can start working in as little as 1 hour. But it may take 2–3 days to feel the full effects of the medication.

If you’d like to know more about how rabeprazole works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Uses of rabeprazole

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as rabeprazole for certain conditions. Approved uses for rabeprazole are described below.

Use for certain gastrointestinal conditions

Doctors may prescribe rabeprazole delayed-release oral tablet for treating certain gastrointestinal conditions.“Delayed release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over time. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

Rabeprazole is used to treat conditions that are caused by too much stomach acid. These include:

• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and children ages 12 years or older
• damage caused by GERD, such as an inflamed or irritated esophagus in adults
• intestinal ulcers (sores in the lining of the intestines) in adults
• conditions where the stomach makes too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, in adults

With too much stomach acid, damage may occur in parts of the gastrointestinal tract. This includes the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine. Too much acid can cause ulcers (painful sores) in your stomach and intestinal lining. Excess stomach acid can also lead to heartburn.

Rabeprazole also helps reduce the chance of getting intestinal ulcers due to H. pylori (a bacterial infection in the stomach) in adults.

With H. pylori, a bacteria can damage your gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include burning or dull stomach pain, bloating, nausea, burping, decreased appetite, and more.

Rabeprazole is prescribed together with antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin, to treat H. pylori infections.

Interactions and warnings for rabeprazole

Below, you’ll find information about rabeprazole’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of rabeprazole

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take rabeprazole, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for rabeprazole” section below.

Warnings for rabeprazole

Some people should not take rabeprazole, and others should take it cautiously.

Other warnings

Rabeprazole could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether rabeprazole is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for rabeprazole, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Rabeprazole can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to rabeprazole or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe rabeprazole. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• serious skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which may be life threatening
• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to rabeprazole, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of rabeprazole

If you take rabeprazole by mouth, you should not take more rabeprazole than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much rabeprazole, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and rabeprazole

Information about rabeprazole and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Rabeprazole and pregnancy

It’s not known whether rabeprazole should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Rabeprazole and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether rabeprazole should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about rabeprazole or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• What can I do if I am unable to afford my medication?
• How long should I take rabeprazole?
• Are there any medications I should avoid while taking rabeprazole?

Resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Omeprazole capsule, delayed release. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/859de60d-dc1a-41d6-9aac-44dff3be3d31/spl-doc?hl=omeprazole
• Pantoprazole tablet, delayed release. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/ed264262-21bb-1bae-e053-2995a90a8a5e/spl-doc?hl=pantoprazole
• Rabeprazole sodium tablet, delayed release. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/01a343fb-784c-44a1-a058-22ad3c1dcd1c/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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 another 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.