Rabalkem-LS Capsule

Rabalkem LS capsules are a combination medication containing rabeprazole and levosulpiride. It's primarily used to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux. This condition occurs when stomach acid and contents flow back into the oesophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, burning sensations, and the regurgitation of food or sour liquid.

This medication works by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces and preventing the contents from flowing back into the oesophagus. For optimal results, take Rabalkem LS capsules at least 30 minutes before meals. It's also helpful to avoid spicy and oily foods, as they can trigger acid reflux.

You might experience some mild and temporary side effects, such as headache, stomach pain, diarrhoea, gas, constipation, and weakness. If these side effects persist or become severe, please contact your doctor. Rabalkem LS is not recommended for children or the elderly.

It's important to inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions before starting this medication.

Dosage

Overdose

There is limited information available on what symptoms you will have if this medicine is consumed in excess. If you have taken too much of this medicine, seek medical attention immediately.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Rabeprazole blocks the secretion of acid in the stomach by acting on a pump called the proton pump in the stomach and is responsible for the secretion of stomach acids.
• Levosulpiride increases the motility of the stomach and intestine so that acid does not reflux back into the food pipe.

Directions for Use

• Take this medicine as directed by your physician.
• It should be taken before food.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Rabalkem Ls Capsule during pregnancy?

• The components of this medicine might harm your unborn baby, thus should not be used during pregnancy.
• Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Rabalkem Ls Capsule while breastfeeding?

You should not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Rabalkem Ls Capsule?

You may experience dizziness, drowsiness or reduced alertness after taking this medicine. Thus, you should avoid driving and operating machines in the presence of any of the symptoms.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Rabalkem Ls Capsule?

Alcohol consumption along with this medicine can cause confusion, lack of focus, anxiety and drowsiness. It is advised to avoid alcohol intake during treatment with Rabalkem Ls Capsule.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• If you experience allergic reactions like skin rashes and other skin reaction.
• If you have a history of allergic reaction due to similar medicine.
• If you develop an infection after taking this medicine.
• If you have a fever, muscle rigidity and irregular heartbeats, movement problems.
• If you have a history of brain tumour, fits, heart disease, lumpy breast, etc.
• If you have low vitamin B12 levels, blood and liver problems, stomach bleeding, ulcers or tumour in the stomach.
• If you have any heart disease, bleeding disorders or tendency to bleed easily.
• Taking this medicine for more than one year may increase the chances of developing bone fractures.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to this medicine or any of the ingredient of this medicine.
• If you are suffering from fits or have a history of fits.
• If you have a mental disorder and you have difficulty in walking, balance and coordination.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Should not be given to children & elderly.

Side effects

• Headache, nervousness, dizziness and sleepiness
• Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation, nausea and vomiting
• Abnormal movements of body parts, desire to move body parts, stiff and jerky movements of face and jaw
• Increase in breast size, abnormal milk production and absence of periods
• Low blood pressure, back pain, weakness or flu-like symptoms, sleeplessness, allergic reactions, frequent infections, skin blisters and rashes, mouth ulcers
• Nasal congestion, cough and airway blockage

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Medicines like Ketoconazole or Itraconazole used to treat fungal infection, Atazanavir used in the treatment of HIV may not work properly.
• Medicines used to neutralize gastric acids & to treat ulcer-like sucralfate should be taken with at least 2 hours of gap.
• Your blood pressure may drop if you are taking antihypertensive medicine along with this medicine.
• If you are taking medicines like Methotrexate or Tacrolimus, then levels of these can increase, causing side effects.
• Medicines used to stop blood clotting like Warfarin. Blood clotting parameters should be monitored closely.
• If you are taking medicine like Levodopa to treat a brain disorder called parkinsonism.
• You may experience irregular heart rhythm with Digoxin, Atomoxetine, Cisapride, Quinine, Furosemide, steroids and stool softeners.

Storage and disposal

• Store this medicine below 30°C.
• Keep it in a cool and dry place and out of the reach of children.
• Store it in a tightly closed container.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Levosulpiride is an antipsychotic medicine. How can it treat stomach disorders?

Levosulpiride is derived from a medicine called Sulpiride. Levosulpiride which is the most effective form of Sulpiride decreases the activity of a neurotransmitter (a substance that transmits signals in the brain) called dopamine. Apart from the brain, dopamine also acts on the digestive tract. Thus, by inhibiting dopaminergic effects, levosulpiride exerts anti-emetic (prevents vomiting), antipsychotics (used to treat schizophrenia) and increases gastrointestinal motility and allowing food to pass freely through the intestines.

When should I use Rabalkem Ls Capsule?

Do not take this medicine without a prescription. Do not stop taking this medicine or self-adjust the dose without the knowledge of your doctor. Inform your doctor if you have any liver problems or stopped taking this medicine for more than 5 days, before re-starting the dose.

Is there anything else I need to know before taking Rabalkem Ls Capsule?

Levosulpiride can increase prolactin levels in the blood. In females, this may result in painful menstrual periods and discharge of milk from the nipple (galactorrhea). Consult your physician if you notice any such symptoms. Taking this medicine for a prolonged period can cause bone thinning. This medicine should not be used in children and adolescents below 18 years of age.

Is there anything else I need to know before taking Rabalkem LS capsule?

Levosulpiride can increase blood prolactin levels. In females, this may result in painful menstrual periods and discharge of milk from the nipple (galactorrhea). Consult your physician if you experience any of these symptoms. Taking this medicine for a prolonged period can cause bone thinning. This medicine should not be used in children and adolescents below 18 years of age.