Rabezol DSR Capsule

Rabezol DSR capsule is an anti-reflux medicine and is used to treat gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition in which acid from the stomach flows back to the food pipe and causes heartburn, belching, nausea and chest pain. Rabezol DSR capsule contains a combination of two medicines - Rabeprazole and Domperidone.

It works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach and improves the motility in the gut, thus, reducing the backflow of stomach content into the food pipe.

Dosage

Overdose

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

Missed a Dose

If you have missed any dose of the medicine, 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?

• A pump called the proton pump in the stomach is responsible for the secretion of stomach acids. Rabeprazole binds to this proton pump in stomach cells, thus blocking acid secretion.
• Domperidone increases the motility of the stomach and intestines so that acid does not reflux back into the food pipe.

Directions for Use

It should be taken as a whole with a sufficient amount of water (and should not be chewed or crushed), preferably in the morning before food.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Rabezol DSR capsule during pregnancy?

• It should not be used in pregnancy as components of this capsule may harm your unborn baby. It is essential to always consult a doctor before starting any medicine during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Rabezol DSR capsule while breastfeeding?

• Components of the Rabezol DSR capsule pass into the breastmilk in small amounts and might affect your baby. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding, after assessing the benefits over 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 Rabezol 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 Rabezol 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, black stools, fever after taking this medicine.
• You have any pre-existing medical condition such as stomach tumour, liver and kidney disease, any kind of heart disorder, etc.
• You have a history of fractures or have osteoporosis or taking steroids.
• 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 rabeprazole or domperidone or any of the ingredients of the Rabezol DSR capsule.
• If you are suffering from any liver or kidney problems.
• If you have serious heart problems like heart failure, heart rhythm problems, electrolyte imbalance.
• If you are taking any medicine which might affect the contraction of the heart muscle (QT prolongation).
• If you are suffering from bleeding in your digestive system.
• If you have any tumour of the pituitary gland (Prolactin pituitary tumours).
• If you are pregnant, think you may be or are breastfeeding.

Side effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Lack of energy
• Gas
• Skin rash
• Diarrhoea
• Dry mouth
• Stomach pain
• Sleeplessness

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• There is limited information available on the interaction of this combination with other medicines. However, as this medicine contains rabeprazole and domperidone, any interactions seen with these two components when taken alone may occur with this combination.
• Please notify your doctor if you are undergoing any other treatments, over-the-counter medications (that you buy without a prescription) and herbal preparations.
• Especially if you are taking medicines for heart and brain-related problems, anti-fungal medicine like Ketoconazole or other antibiotics like erythromycin, antiviral medicines like rilpivirine, anti-epileptic medicines, etc.
• Simultaneous use of oral anticoagulants like warfarin, caution is needed as there are chances of increased bleeding.

Interactions with food items

• It should preferably be taken on an empty stomach.
• There are no known interactions with food or beverages.
• However, nicotine and caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate and cola) can increase stomach acid or delay ulcer healing and hinder the treatment process.

Storage and disposal

• Store below 25°C, protected from moisture and light.
• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I am suffering from a liver problem. Is Rabezol DSR capsule safe for me?

Tell your doctor if you are having any liver or kidney problems. 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 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 this medicine 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.