Levosulpiride+rabeprazole
About Levosulpiride+rabeprazole
Levosulpiride+rabeprazole 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.
Levosulpiride+rabeprazole is 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, Levosulpiride+rabeprazole helps in preventing acid reflux, thereby providing relief from acidity and heartburn.
You are advised to take Levosulpiride+rabeprazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, gas, abdominal pain, dizziness, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or intestinal obstruction. On long-term treatment, Levosulpiride+rabeprazole may cause osteoporosis and hypomagnesemia. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Levosulpiride+rabeprazole may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Levosulpiride+rabeprazole is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Levosulpiride+rabeprazole as it could lead to increased drowsiness and elevate stomach acid production.
Uses of Levosulpiride+rabeprazole
Medicinal Benefits
Levosulpiride+rabeprazole is a combination of two drugs, namely: Rabeprazole and Levosulpiride. Levosulpiride+rabeprazole 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. 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. Together, Levosulpiride+rabeprazole helps in preventing acid reflux, thereby providing relief from acidity and heartburn.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Levosulpiride+rabeprazole
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
Drug Warnings
Do not take Levosulpiride+rabeprazole if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have a history of pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland), epilepsy, mania, gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, or severe kidney or liver impairment. Levosulpiride+rabeprazole may cause osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels) on long-term treatment. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Levosulpiride+rabeprazole may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert. Levosulpiride+rabeprazole is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Levosulpiride+rabeprazole may interact with a blood thinner (warfarin), anti-cancer (methotrexate), cardiac glycoside (digoxin), immunosuppressant (mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus), antibiotic (amoxicillin, clarithromycin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, epilepsy, mania, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD), hyperprolactinemia (high levels of prolactin), bone fractures, or hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Levosulpiride+rabeprazole. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionLevosulpiride+rabeprazole may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether Levosulpiride+rabeprazole can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionLevosulpiride+rabeprazole may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeLevosulpiride+rabeprazole should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- Avoid lying down after eating to prevent acid reflux.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes as it might increase the pressure on the abdomen leading to acid reflux.
- Practice relaxation techniques and avoid stress by doing yoga or meditation.
- Avoid foods such as high-fat food, spicy food, chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, onion, garlic, tea, and soda.
- Avoid sitting continuously as it may trigger acidity. Take a break of 5 minutes every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
Special Advise
- Levosulpiride+rabeprazole might cause false-positive results for secretin stimulation test, prolactin test, and tests for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Levosulpiride+rabeprazole.
- Regular blood tests for monitoring magnesium levels and bone density tests are advised if you are on long-term treatment with Levosulpiride+rabeprazole.
- Inform your doctor if you are due to have Chromogranin A test.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acidity: 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 complications like GERD, acidity, heartburn, and peptic ulcers.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): It occurs when stomach acid frequently flows into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn and acidity. Symptoms include heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Stomach ulcers: Stomach ulcers are sores that develop on the stomach and intestine lining due to erosion of the protective stomach lining. Symptoms include nausea, changes in appetite, bloody or dark stools, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and indigestion.
Indigestion: Indigestion is the feeling of fullness. It occurs due to slow gastric emptying. Symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
FAQs
Levosulpiride+rabeprazole contains Rabeprazole and Levosulpiride. Rabeprazole works by blocking an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for the production of acid. Levosulpiride works by increasing the pressure of the inferior oesophageal (food pipe) sphincter, thereby prevents the backflow of food and acid into the mouth. Together, Levosulpiride+rabeprazole helps in providing relief from 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.
Levosulpiride+rabeprazole contains rabeprazole which might increase the risk of osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones). This mainly occurs in people taking higher doses of Levosulpiride+rabeprazole for longer durations. Inform your doctor if you are at risk of osteoporosis. Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Levosulpiride+rabeprazole. 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.
Do not take Levosulpiride+rabeprazole for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. Levosulpiride+rabeprazole might cause bone problems and hypomagnesemia on long-term treatment. Talk to your doctor if you do not find symptomatic relief despite taking Levosulpiride+rabeprazole for 2 weeks.
Levosulpiride+rabeprazole might cause irregular periods/abnormal menstruation. Consult your doctor if you notice abnormal bleeding patterns.
