REPRAL

Description

About REPRAL Tablet (Rabeprazole)

REPRAL Tablet contains rabeprazole, a medicine that helps lower stomach acid. It’s made by Elder Pharmaceuticals and is available in Nepal.

What It’s Used For

REPRAL Tablet is prescribed for conditions caused by too much stomach acid, including:

• Peptic ulcer disease: This covers ulcers in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
• H. pylori infection: It’s part of a combination treatment to get rid of this bacterial infection that can cause ulcers.
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Also known as acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and potential damage. This includes use for children over 12.
• Erosive oesophagitis: This is when GERD has caused irritation and damage to the lining of the esophagus.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: A rare condition where the stomach produces excessive amounts of acid.

Dosing Information

You can take REPRAL Tablet with or without meals.

Adult Dosing

• GERD & Erosive Oesophagitis:
  • Initial: 20 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
  • Maintenance: 10 mg or 20 mg once daily.
  • Always take these doses in the morning.
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome:
  • Starting Dose: 60 mg once daily in the morning.
  • Adjustments: Your doctor might increase the dose up to a maximum of 120 mg per day.
  • If your daily dose is over 100 mg, you should split it into two doses.
• Peptic Ulcer:
  • Duodenal Ulcer: 20 mg once daily in the morning for 4 to 8 weeks.
  • Gastric Ulcer: 20 mg once daily in the morning for 6 to 12 weeks.
• H. pylori Infection (1-week triple therapy):
  • 20 mg twice daily combined with clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily and amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, OR
  • 20 mg twice daily combined with clarithromycin 250 mg twice daily and metronidazole 400 mg twice daily.

Child Dosing

• GERD:
  • For children over 12 years old: 20 mg once daily in the morning for up to 8 weeks.

Special Populations

• Elderly, Liver, or Kidney Problems: No dose adjustments are usually needed.

Important Things to Know

Who Should Not Take It (Contraindications)

Don’t take REPRAL Tablet if you’re allergic to rabeprazole, any other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or any of its ingredients.

Precautions

• Your doctor should check for stomach cancer before you start this medication.
• Use with caution if you have severe liver problems.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. It’s not known if rabeprazole passes into breast milk, so caution is advised.
• Monitoring: Your doctor might monitor your magnesium levels before starting and regularly during long-term use.

Drug Interactions

REPRAL Tablet can affect how other medicines work. Tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking, especially:

• Medications that might become less effective: Ketoconazole, itraconazole, clopidogrel, rilpivirine, and atazanavir.
• Increased risk of side effects with:
  • Diuretics and digoxin (increased risk of low magnesium).
  • Warfarin (may increase bleeding risk; INR should be monitored).
  • Saquinavir and methotrexate (may have increased levels).
• Decreased REPRAL levels: Sucralfate can reduce the absorption of REPRAL.

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, REPRAL Tablet can cause side effects.

Common (1-10% of people)

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence (gas)
• Constipation
• General pain
• Sore throat (pharyngitis)

Less Common or Rare (less than 1% of people)

These can be more serious and include:

• Agitation, confusion (delirium), migraine
• Blood disorders (e.g., anemia, low white blood cell count)
• Allergic reactions (e.g., swelling under the skin, rash, severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium, magnesium, or sodium)
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
• Muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
• Increased risk of bone fractures (osteoporosis-related)
• Chest pain, sudden death
• Hair loss
• Abnormal taste

How Rabeprazole Works

Rabeprazole belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It works by blocking a tiny pump in your stomach lining called the H+/K+ ATPase. By stopping this pump, rabeprazole significantly reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces.

Important Note: This information is for general understanding only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for diagnosis, treatment, and any questions about your health or medications.