Zabep (Rabeprazole Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Zabep Used For?
Zabep 20 is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production to treat various digestive conditions and allow healing to take place.
Primary Uses
Zabep 20 treats reflux oesophagitis (when stomach acid flows back up the food pipe causing heartburn), helps prevent reflux from returning, treats peptic ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, and works with antibiotics to eliminate Helicobacter pylori bacteria that can cause ulcers and stomach inflammation.
How It Works
Zabep 20 belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes, providing relief from symptoms and allowing healing to occur. Your food will still be digested normally.
Good to know: Your food will still be digested in the normal way while taking Zabep 20.
How to Take Zabep
Zabep 20 should be swallowed whole with water and never crushed or chewed, as this will prevent it from working properly.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one tablet at the same time each day. The dose is usually 20 mg but may vary from 10 mg to 40 mg per day depending on your condition. For treating Helicobacter pylori infections with antibiotics, take one tablet twice daily (morning and evening) for 7 days. You can take it with or without food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not crush or chew the tablets as they have a special coating that protects them from stomach acid.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- dizziness
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- constipation
- stomach pain
- wind
- vomiting
- cough
- runny or blocked nose
- sore throat
- muscle weakness
- rash or itchy skin
- flatulence
- dry mouth
- flu-like symptoms
- sleeplessness
- indigestion
- belching
- leg cramps
- back, chest or joint pain
- swelling of arms or legs
- nervousness
- sleepiness
- loss of appetite
- weight gain
- sweating
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- painful or frequent urination (urinary tract infection)
- vision or taste disturbances
- depression
- feeling dizzy, faint, or weak (low blood pressure)
- shortness of breath
- frequent infections with fever, chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
- allergic reactions (skin rash, swelling, breathing difficulties)
- black or blood-stained stools
- severe watery or bloody diarrhoea with fever and abdominal pain
- vomiting blood or food
- seizures, muscle spasms or weakness (low magnesium)
- increased risk of bone fractures with long-term use
Important Warnings
Zabep 20 is not suitable for everyone and should not be used by certain groups of people.
Who Should Not Take Zabep
Do not take Zabep 20 if you are allergic to rabeprazole sodium or other proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole), if the packaging is damaged or expired, or if you are under 18 years of age as safety has not been established in children.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives, or if you have or have ever had liver disease.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or wish to breastfeed. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Zabep 20 during breastfeeding.
Allergic Reactions: Stop taking Zabep 20 and seek immediate medical attention if you experience skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty swallowing or breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Drug Interactions
Zabep 20 can interact with several medications, and some should not be taken together.
Important: Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including those bought without prescription from pharmacies, supermarkets, or health food shops.
- atazanavir (HIV medication) – do not take together
- clopidogrel (antiplatelet medicine) – do not take together
- cyclosporin (immunosuppressant)
- methotrexate (cancer/arthritis treatment)
- digoxin (heart medication)
- ketoconazole (antifungal)
- mycophenolate mofetil (transplant medication)
- clarithromycin (antibiotic)
Alcohol & Driving
Be aware of how Zabep 20 affects you before driving or operating machinery.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings are mentioned in the prescribing information. However, discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Zabep 20 may cause dizziness or sleepiness in some people. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel affected.
Storage
Store Zabep 20 in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 metres above ground, away from children. Keep tablets in their original pack until use, in a cool dry place below 25°C. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills as heat and dampness can damage the medicine.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Zabep 20, immediately call your doctor, the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms. You may need urgent medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zabep 20 works by decreasing stomach acid production to provide relief from symptoms and allow healing to take place. Your doctor will advise you on the expected timeframe for your specific condition.
Yes, it does not matter if you take Zabep 20 with food or on an empty stomach. Take it at the same time each day for best results.
No, never crush or chew Zabep 20 tablets. They have a special coating that protects them from stomach acid. If you crush or chew them, they will not work as well.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
No, Zabep 20 should not be given to children under 18 years of age as safety and effectiveness in children has not been established.
Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of hip, wrist, or spine fractures, low magnesium levels, and vitamin B-12 deficiency. Your doctor will monitor you if long-term treatment is needed.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Zabep 20 during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.