Rabalkem-DSR Capsule

Rabalkem DSR Capsule is a medication used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its associated symptoms, including heartburn, nausea, chest pain, and belching. GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, leading to discomfort and irritation. This capsule contains a combination of Rabeprazole and Domperidone, which work together to provide effective relief.

Rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that helps reduce the excess acid produced in the stomach, while Domperidone is a prokinetic agent that improves gut motility. By reducing acid secretion and enhancing stomach emptying, Rabalkem DSR helps control reflux and prevent the backflow of acid into the oesophagus. This dual action makes it highly effective in managing GERD symptoms.

For best results, take Rabalkem DSR Capsule at least 30 minutes before meals, preferably in the morning. Your doctor will decide the exact dose and duration based on your condition. It is essential not to discontinue this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may exacerbate symptoms.

Along with the medicine, lifestyle changes such as avoiding late-night meals, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight can help in faster recovery. While taking Rabalkem DSR, avoid consuming spicy, oily, and fatty foods, as they can trigger acidity and reflux. Also, limit alcohol, caffeine, and smoking, as these can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Regular exercise and eating smaller, frequent meals may further improve digestive health. Rabalkem DSR Capsule is generally safe; however, in some cases, mild side effects such as headache, dizziness, stomach discomfort, or dry mouth may occur. If these symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor immediately.

Before starting treatment, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any existing medical conditions.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include confusion, anxiety, fits, altered consciousness, sleepiness, etc. If you think you have taken too much of Rabalkem-DSR, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose of Rabalkem-DSR, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Rabalkem DSR capsule contains two active components, rabeprazole and domperidone, which work together to control acid reflux and improve digestive function.
• Rabeprazole acts by inhibiting the gastric proton pump. This enzyme is responsible for the final step in gastric acid production. By blocking this pump, rabeprazole effectively reduces stomach acid secretion, thereby decreasing acidity and allowing the irritated oesophageal lining to heal.
• Domperidone works as a prokinetic agent by blocking dopamine (D2) receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. This action enhances gastric motility and accelerates stomach emptying. It also increases the tone of the lower oesophageal sphincter, which helps prevent the backflow of stomach contents into the food pipe.
• Together, rabeprazole reduces acid production, while domperidone improves gastrointestinal movement, resulting in relief from symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, bloating, and acid reflux.

Directions for Use

Rabalkem-DSR capsule medicine should be taken as directed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water, do not cut, break or chew the medicine. It should preferably be taken in the morning before food It would be best if you took it at a fixed time for optimal results. You should not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Rabalkem-DSR capsule during pregnancy?

There is limited information on the use of this medicine in pregnancy. Hence it is recommended not to use the same unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Rabalkem-DSR capsule while breastfeeding?

Components of this capsule pass into breast milk in small amounts and may affect your baby. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding after assessing the benefits and risks. Your doctor might change the medicine, ask you to stop breastfeeding or closely monitor the baby for any side effects.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Rabalkem-DSR capsule?

If you experience drowsiness and visual disturbances after taking this medicine, it is advised not to drive or use machines.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Rabalkem-DSR capsule?

Drinking alcohol when you are taking this medicine does not affect the way it works. However, you should avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol as it is known to increase acidity and can make your acidity worse.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You develop watery diarrhoea, fever after taking this medicine
• You experience black stools
• You have a stomach tumour
• You have a history of fractures or have osteoporosis or taking steroids
• You have liver and kidney disease or kidney failure
• You have heart problems and associated symptoms like palpitations, difficulty in breathing, unconsciousness
• You are on this medicine for more than three months. Your blood magnesium levels may drop. Your doctor may perform regular tests for the same
• You develop skin lesions especially in the sun-exposed area after taking this medicine
• You are taking medicines to treat HIV
• You should not give this medicine to children of 12 years and below
• You have low levels of vitamin B12. This medicine is known to reduce the absorption of vitamin B12 after long term use. Supplements may be needed
• Taking this medicine for more than one year may increase the chances of developing bone fractures

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to this medicine or any of the ingredients of this medicine
• If you are taking any medicine which might affect the contraction of the heart muscle (QT prolongation)
• If you are suffering from bleeding in the digestive system
• If you are suffering from liver or kidney disorder
• If you have serious heart problems like congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems, electrolyte imbalance
• If you have any tumour of the pituitary gland (Prolactin pituitary tumours)
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Side effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Lack of energy
• Diarrhoea
• Dry mouth
• Stomach pain
• Sleeplessness
• Back pain
• Cough
• Vomiting
• Dizziness

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Certain medicines can interfere with the action of the Rabalkem-DSR capsule if, taken at the same time. However, as this medicine contains rabeprazole and domperidone, any interactions seen with these two components when taken alone may occur with this combination.
• Especially if you are taking anti-epileptic medicines like phenytoin or brain-related medicines such as diazepam, blood thinners like warfarin, antibiotics like clarithromycin, immunosuppressants like tacrolimus etc.
• Concomitant use of Rabalkem-DSR capsule along with antiviral medicines like rilpivirine, atazanavir, antifungals like ketoconazole and Itraconazole should be used with caution.
• Medicine used to treat heart failure like digoxin may lead to toxicity when taken with the Rabalkem-DSR capsule. If you are taking Warfarin, caution is needed as there are chances of increased bleeding when taken along with the Rabalkem-DSR capsule.

Interactions with food items

It is best to take Rabalkem DSR capsules an hour before a meal or without food to enhance its efficacy.You should avoid spicy, oily, and deep-fried foods, as well as caffeine-containing beverages.

Storage and disposal

• Store Rabalkem-DSR capsules below 25°C, protected from moisture and light
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I am suffering from liver problem. Is Rabalkem-DSR capsule safe for me?

Tell your doctor if you are having any liver or kidney problem. The doctor may suggest an alternative.

I get acidity quite often, what should I do to avoid it?

• Avoid spicy and oily food.
• Reduce smoking and alcohol intake as these are known to worsen the reflux.
• Avoid carbonated drinks like cold drinks and soda as the carbon dioxide gas in these is known to worsen acid reflux
• Reduce chocolate, mint intake.
• Some medicines are known to increase acidity and worsen the condition such as pain killers like Ibuprofen. You should avoid using these for a long duration.

I have been taking cap Rabalkem DSR for a few months now, what should I look out for?

• Take this medicine only for the duration as prescribed by your doctor. If there is relief in your symptoms, you may visit your doctor for a follow-up, when your doctor may reduce its dose.
• This medicine is known to cause fractures, low magnesium levels and vitamin B12 levels on long term use.
• You need to be cautious about these and keep checking your blood levels regularly and if need be your doctor may prescribe the supplements for these deficiencies.

Can I take Rabalkem DSR after food?

Rabalkem DSR should normally be taken before food (on an empty stomach), preferably in the morning, or as advised by the doctor.

What is Rabalkem DSR used for?

Rabalkem DSR is used to treat gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD).

Does capsule Rabalkem DSR help in stomach pain?

Stomach ache can be due to various reasons. Rabalkem DSR capsule can provide some relief from stomach ache if it is associated with stomach or intestinal ulcers or due to acidity.

Is Rabalkem-DSR Capsule addictive?

No, the Rabalkem-DSR capsule is not an addiction causing medicine. It must be used as per the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor.

What is the composition of Rabalkem DSR?

The composition of Rabalkem DSR consist of a combination of two medicines - rabeprazole and domperidone

Can Rabalkem DSR Capsule be used for gas and bloating?

Yes, Rabalkem DSR Capsule can help reduce gas, bloating, and fullness if these symptoms are related to acidity or reflux. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor to rule out other potential causes.

Can I drink coffee or tea while taking Rabalkem DSR Capsule?

It is advisable to limit caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and tea, as they may trigger acidity and reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.