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Overview: Rabeprazole is used to treat acid reflux and other conditions where you have too much acid in your stomach. It works by reducing how much acid your stomach makes and usually takes a few days to fully work. Common side effects are sore throat, pain, gas, and constipation. Other side effects are possible, especially if this medicine is taken long term. Contact your health care provider right away if you are peeing less than usual, have watery diarrhea that does not go away, a skin rash, dizziness, or unusual joint pain.

Uses

What is rabeprazole used for?

Rabeprazole is commonly used for heartburn and other symptoms caused by too much stomach acid in people with the following conditions.

Rabeprazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does rabeprazole work (mechanism of action)?

Rabeprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes.

How is rabeprazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Aciphex

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 20 mg delayed-release oral tablets

How should I store rabeprazole?

Rabeprazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of rabeprazole?

The most common side effects of rabeprazole are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain
  • Sore throat
  • Gas
  • Infection
  • Constipation
  • Headache (children ages 12 to 17)
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (children ages 12 to 17)
  • Stomach pain (children ages 12 to 17)

There may be other side effects of rabeprazole that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of rabeprazole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of rabeprazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Kidney Problems. A type of kidney problem called acute tubulointerstitial nephritis can happen at any time during treatment with rabeprazole. If you notice a decrease in the amount of your urine or see blood in your urine, call your health care provider right away. 

Antibiotic-Related Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut during treatment with rabeprazole. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Severe Skin Reactions. Rabeprazole can cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop rabeprazole and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Severe Allergic Reaction called DRESS. Rabeprazole can cause a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking rabeprazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Lupus. Some medicines, such as rabeprazole, can cause certain types of lupus or cause worsening of lupus you already have. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder where your immune cells attack other cells or organs in your body. Tell your provider right away if you have new or worsening joint pain or a rash on your arms or cheeks.

Low Vitamin B-12. Rabeprazole can cause you to absorb less vitamin B-12 than usual, which can cause low vitamin B-12 levels. You have a higher risk of this if you take rabeprazole for a long time (3 years or longer). Stop taking rabeprazole and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Sore tongue
  • Weakness 
  • Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet

Low Magnesium. Rabeprazole can cause low magnesium levels, also known as hypomagnesemia, which can be serious. Decreased magnesium levels can cause seizures or heart rhythm problems. You may have a higher risk if you take the rabeprazole for a long time or take other medicines that can also cause low magnesium. Stop taking rabeprazole and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as fast or skipping heartbeat
  • Dizziness 
  • Muscle spasms
  • Seizures 

Bone Loss and Fractures. Rabeprazole may cause bone loss and increase your risk for fractures. The risk is higher in older adults and people taking rabeprazole for a long time or taking a high dose.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use rabeprazole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take rabeprazole.

  • Rabeprazole 
  • Aciphex
  • Any other medicine known as a proton pump inhibitor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific rabeprazole products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Rabeprazole should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking rabeprazole, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about rabeprazole before using it?

Do not take rabeprazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share rabeprazole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep rabeprazole out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush rabeprazole.

Rabeprazole should not be used for immediate relief of heartburn. It may take 1 to 4 days for the medicine to fully work. 

Antacids may be taken with rabeprazole.

What should I tell my health care provider before using rabeprazole?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if rabeprazole is right for you.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Rabeprazole may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking rabeprazole, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how rabeprazole could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take rabeprazole while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if rabeprazole passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does rabeprazole interact with foods or drinks?

Rabeprazole may typically be taken with or without food. Take rabeprazole after a meal if using for the treatment of duodenal ulcers. Take rabeprazole after a meal if using for the treatment of H. pylori infection.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect rabeprazole.

Does rabeprazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking rabeprazole.

  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others)
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • Warfarin, which is used as a blood thinner
  • Tacrolimus, which is typically used to prevent organ transplant rejection
  • Certain antiretroviral medicines, such as rilpivirine (Edurant), nelfinavir (Viracept), or saquinavir (Invirase), which are used for HIV or AIDS

Rabeprazole may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with rabeprazole. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much rabeprazole?

If you or someone else has used too much rabeprazole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of rabeprazole?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.