Rabeprazole and Levosulpride Capsules

Product Description

Rabeprazole and Levosulpride Capsules come under the brand name “Foepep-L”, which belongs to a group of medicines called gastrointestinal agents used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acidity, heartburn, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, Helicobacter pylori infection, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, duodenal and gastric ulcers. The stomach is usually protected from acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets eroded, which leads to acidity.

Rabeprazole and Levosulpride Capsules are a combination of two drugs, namely: Rabeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) and Levosulpiride (prokinetic agent). Rabeprazole works by blocking an enzyme called the gastric proton pump, which is responsible for acid production. Levosulpiride works by increasing the pressure of the inferior oesophageal (food pipe) sphincter, thereby preventing the backflow of food and acid into the mouth. Together, Rabeprazole and Levosulpride help in preventing acid reflux, thereby providing relief from acidity and heartburn.

Medical Benefits

• These capsules are used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acidity, heartburn, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, Helicobacter pylori infection, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, duodenal and gastric ulcers.
• Rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works by blocking an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for the production of acid.
• Levosulpiride is a prokinetic agent that increases the pressure of the inferior oesophageal (food pipe) sphincter, thereby preventing the backflow of food and acid into the mouth.

Directions for Use

• Take Rabeprazole and Levosulpride Capsules 1 hour prior to food.
• Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
• Do not chew or crush it.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place.
• Keep it away from sunlight.

Precautions

• Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Rabeprazole and Levosulpride Capsules.
• Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
• Consult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
• It may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether this medication can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
• Consult your doctor if you have kidney or liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.

Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Flatulence
• Abdominal pain

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does lying down after having meals cause acidity?

Avoid lying down immediately after meals to prevent acid reflux. Raise the head of the bed 10-20cm by putting on a pillow so that the head and chest are above the waist. This helps in preventing acid reflux.

Does this capsule cause bone fractures?

It contains rabeprazole which might increase the risk of osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones). This mainly occurs in people taking higher doses of this composition for longer durations. Inform your doctor if you are at risk of osteoporosis. Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements.

How to treat dry mouth?

A dry mouth could be a side-effect of this medicine. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help stimulate saliva and thereby prevent drying of the mouth.

Is it safe to take it for longer durations?

Do not take this medication for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. It might cause bone problems and hypomagnesemia in long-term treatment. Talk to your doctor if you do not find symptomatic relief despite taking this medicine for 2 weeks.

Does it cause abnormal menstruation?

These capsules might cause irregular periods/abnormal menstruation. Consult your doctor if you notice abnormal bleeding patterns.