Rebamipide
About Rebamipide
Rebamipide is a medication primarily used to treat stomach ulcers and reduce inflammation in the lining of the stomach, a condition known as gastritis. It is prescribed to help protect and heal the delicate tissues of your digestive tract.
To get the best results, you should take this medicine consistently at the frequencies prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is typically taken with or without food. Making simple changes to your daily habits, such as eating smaller meals and avoiding spicy foods, can greatly support your recovery.
While Rebamipide is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild side effects like a dry mouth or nausea. If you notice any serious issues, such as yellowing of your eyes or skin, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Do not take this if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Before starting, it is highly recommended to talk to your doctor if you have kidney problems or other chronic health conditions.
Some medications or substances like alcohol can affect how this medicine works, so be sure to tell your healthcare provider about everything you are taking. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or elderly, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure it is safe for you. Elderly patients may require closer monitoring during treatment because age-related changes in kidney or liver function can affect medicine handling in the body. Patients with kidney impairment should inform their doctor, as dose adjustments or additional monitoring may be needed depending on the severity of the condition. The safety and appropriate dosing in children should be determined by a doctor, as use in paediatric patients requires medical guidance.
Uses of Rebamipide
Medicinal Benefits
Rebamipide provides effective support for stomach health by helping protect the stomach lining and relieve discomfort caused by excess irritation. Key benefits include:
- Supports Stomach Lining Protection: By strengthening the stomach’s natural defences, Rebamipide helps create a protective environment that allows irritated tissues to heal.
- Relieves Digestive Discomfort: By reducing stomach irritation, Rebamipide helps ease symptoms such as burning stomach pain, bloating, and uncomfortable fullness after meals.
- Protects Against Further Irritation: By forming a protective barrier over the stomach lining, Rebamipide helps defend against damage caused by stomach acids and certain medicines that may irritate the digestive system.
Directions for Use
- Rebamipide can be taken with or without food, as this medication is not significantly affected by food.
- Adhere to your doctor’s guidance regarding the dosage and timing of this medication for optimal effectiveness.
- Swallow Rebamipide as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Rebamipide
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Upset stomach, bloating, or mild diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Mild skin itching or rash
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or severe hives
- Yellowing of your eyes or skin (signs of liver damage)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the packaging before use: Always inspect the blister pack before taking the medicine and make sure the seals are intact. Do not use tablets from damaged packaging.
- Complete the prescribed course: Continue taking this medicine for the full duration recommended by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve earlier.
- Inform your healthcare provider: Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are currently taking to help prevent possible interactions.
- Monitor your progress: If your symptoms do not begin to improve after a few weeks of regular use, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact.
- NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, or aspirin): Rebamipide may be used alongside NSAIDs to help protect the stomach lining from irritation caused by these medicines. Inform your doctor about all NSAIDs you are taking so they can monitor your stomach health and adjust treatment if needed.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (such as pantoprazole, omeprazole, or rabeprazole): Rebamipide may be prescribed with acid-suppressing medicines when additional stomach lining protection is needed. Your doctor will decide whether this combination is appropriate for your condition.
- Antibiotics used for H. pylori treatment (such as clarithromycin, amoxicillin, or metronidazole): Rebamipide may be used as an add-on treatment during H. pylori eradication therapy. Inform your doctor about all medicines you take to ensure the complete treatment plan is suitable.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Rebamipide. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionRebamipide is a pregnancy category C drug. Do not take Rebamipide if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Please discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them.
Breast Feeding
cautionDo not take Rebamipide if you are breastfeeding without consulting the doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them.
Driving
cautionRebamipide may alter the ability to drive; thus, avoid driving or using machinery.
Liver
cautionTake Rebamipide with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Rebamipide with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionRebamipide should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid stomach irritants: Limit highly spicy, acidic, or fatty foods, as they may irritate the stomach lining and worsen discomfort.
- Eat smaller meals: Choose smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to reduce strain on your digestive system and support easier digestion.
- Reduce caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol: Limit these beverages, as they can trigger stomach irritation and may delay the healing process.
- Avoid smoking: Stop smoking or avoid tobacco use, as it can weaken the stomach’s protective barrier and slow recovery.
Special Advise
- Inform your doctor before taking Rebamipide if you are due to have a Chromogranin A test.
- Rebamipide may cause changes in blood tests for checking liver functioning. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Rebamipide.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Peptic ulcers: Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the stomach and intestine lining due to erosion of the stomach's protective lining. Symptoms include nausea, appetite changes, bloody or dark stools, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and indigestion.
Gastritis: Gastritis is a sudden, severe inflammation of the protective lining of the stomach caused by H. pylori infection, injury, regular use of pain pills called NSAIDs, and too much alcohol. Symptoms include upper stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Recurrent oral aphthae (stomatitis): is the most common type of inflammatory efflorescence of the oral mucosa. It is a condition in which a small, shallow sore is inside the mouth or at the gums' base. Symptoms of painful sore in the mouth that can make it hard to eat and talk.
Behcet's disease: Behcet's disease is a rare disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout your body. Symptoms include mouth sores, eye inflammation, skin rashes and lesions, and genital sores.
FAQs
Rebamipide is used for mucosal protection, healing of peptic ulcer, Gastritis, recurrent oral aphthae (stomatitis), and Behcet's disease.
Rebamipide contains 'Rebamipide,' which promotes the synthesis of prostaglandin, a chemical messenger that aids in healing ulcers. It also aids in the regeneration of damaged tissue by promoting protein expression, stimulating cell development, and improving ulcer healing.
Avoid lying down immediately after meals to prevent acid reflux. Raise the head of the bed 10-20cm by putting a pillow so that the head and chest are above the waist. This helps in preventing acid reflux.
Do not take Rebamipide for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. Talk to your doctor if you do not find symptomatic relief. The doctor may monitor your condition regularly if you are on long-term treatment with Rebamipide.
Yes, you can take Rebamipide with or without food, but it is often recommended to take it before meals as advised by your doctor.
Many people begin to feel relief within a few days, but full healing of the stomach lining typically takes several weeks of regular use. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms persist.
No, Rebamipide is not an antacid. It does not neutralise stomach acid directly; instead, it helps protect and repair the stomach lining by boosting its natural defenses.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Rebamipide. Alcohol can irritate your stomach lining and slow down the healing process.
You should consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as its safety in these cases must be carefully evaluated.
Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose and resume your normal routine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Rebamipide does not kill H. pylori bacteria but may be prescribed as an additional treatment along with antibiotics and acid-suppressing medicines to support stomach lining recovery during H. pylori-related ulcer treatment.
No. Do not stop taking Rebamipide without consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms improve or your stomach pain goes away. Stopping treatment too early may prevent complete healing of the stomach lining or ulcer. Continue taking Rebamipide for the full duration prescribed by your doctor.
Yes, dry mouth is a recognised mild side effect of Rebamipide in some people. Drinking water regularly, limiting caffeine, avoiding smoking and alcohol-containing mouthwashes, and chewing sugar-free gum or sugar-free candy may help stimulate saliva and relieve dryness. If dry mouth persists or becomes troublesome, consult your doctor.
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