Drug Class: Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) | Form: Oral Tablet | Manufacturer: Shaigan Pharmaceuticals | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Eraze 20mg Tablet?
Eraze 20mg contains Rabeprazole Sodium — a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production by irreversibly blocking the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase proton pump in the stomach's acid-producing parietal cells. Rabeprazole works faster than many other PPIs because it activates at a higher gastric pH — meaning it begins inhibiting acid pumps more rapidly after the first dose. It provides strong, sustained acid suppression for healing acid-related damage, relieving reflux symptoms, and protecting the stomach lining from further injury.
What is Eraze 20mg Used For?
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) — chronic heartburn, acid regurgitation, and reflux (سینے کی جلن)
- Erosive oesophagitis — healing acid-caused damage and inflammation of the food pipe lining
- Peptic and duodenal ulcers — healing of stomach and small intestine ulcers (معدے کا السر)
- H. pylori eradication — used alongside antibiotics to eliminate H. pylori bacteria and prevent ulcer recurrence
- NSAID-induced ulcer prevention — protecting the stomach in patients requiring long-term NSAID or Aspirin therapy
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome — managing excessive acid production under specialist supervision
How Does Eraze 20mg Work?
Rabeprazole is absorbed into the bloodstream and concentrates in the acidic environment of gastric parietal cells. There it converts to its active form and irreversibly binds to the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase proton pump — blocking acid secretion completely at its final step. A key advantage of Rabeprazole over some other PPIs is its faster onset of action and more consistent acid suppression from the first dose, making it particularly effective for patients needing rapid symptom relief.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Take exactly as prescribed. Do not extend treatment or adjust dose without medical advice — long-term PPI use requires regular monitoring.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| GERD / heartburn | 20mg once daily | 4–8 weeks |
| Erosive oesophagitis | 20mg once daily | 4–8 weeks |
| Active peptic / duodenal ulcer | 20mg once daily | 4–8 weeks |
| H. pylori eradication | 20mg twice daily + antibiotics | 7–14 days |
| NSAID ulcer prevention | 20mg once daily | As directed |
| Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | 60mg once daily (adjusted as needed) | Long-term under specialist care |
- Take 30–60 minutes before the first meal of the day for maximum effect
- Swallow tablet whole with water — do not crush, chew, or split
- Take at the same time each day for consistent acid control
Active Ingredient
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Rabeprazole Sodium | 20mg |
Who Should NOT Take Eraze 20mg?
- Known allergy to Rabeprazole, Omeprazole, or any other PPI
- Currently taking Nelfinavir (HIV medicine) — combination is contraindicated
- Severe liver disease — use with caution; consult doctor before starting
Consult your doctor before use if you have: liver disease, osteoporosis or low bone density, low magnesium levels, or are taking Warfarin, Methotrexate, or medicines that depend on stomach acid for absorption. Always investigate persistent symptoms before starting long-term PPI therapy.
Side Effects
Common:
- Headache or mild dizziness
- Nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhoea
- Constipation or flatulence
- Dry mouth or mild throat irritation
Serious — seek medical attention immediately:
- Severe allergic reaction — facial swelling, difficulty breathing, widespread rash (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Severe diarrhoea — possible Clostridium difficile infection with prolonged use
- Low magnesium symptoms — muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, or seizures
- Bone fractures — increased risk with high-dose or long-term use, particularly in elderly patients
- Severe skin reactions — blistering or widespread peeling
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Clopidogrel | Rabeprazole has less interaction than Omeprazole — but inform your doctor if taking together |
| Methotrexate | PPIs increase Methotrexate blood levels — serious toxicity risk |
| Warfarin | May increase anticoagulant effect — INR monitoring required |
| Ketoconazole / Itraconazole | Reduced absorption due to lower stomach acid levels |
| Digoxin | Rabeprazole may increase Digoxin absorption — monitoring required |
| Nelfinavir (HIV medicine) | Contraindicated — avoid completely |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C away from moisture and direct sunlight
- Keep in original packaging until use — tablet coating is moisture-sensitive
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after expiry date on the pack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How is Rabeprazole different from Omeprazole or Esomeprazole? Rabeprazole activates faster and provides more consistent acid suppression from the first dose — making it particularly suitable for patients who need quicker symptom relief or have not responded well to other PPIs.
Q: Why must Eraze 20mg be taken before meals? Taking it 30–60 minutes before eating activates the proton pumps Rabeprazole needs to bind to — taking it after food significantly reduces its acid-suppressing effectiveness.
Q: Can Eraze 20mg be taken long-term? Long-term use is appropriate when medically necessary but requires regular review — prolonged PPI use can reduce magnesium and B12 levels and increase bone fracture risk over time.
Q: Can Eraze 20mg mask symptoms of stomach cancer? Yes — always have persistent or unexplained stomach symptoms fully investigated before starting long-term acid suppression, as PPIs can suppress warning symptoms of serious conditions.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This description is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing this medicine. Persistent stomach symptoms should always be medically investigated before beginning long-term treatment.
DRAP Registered | Prescription Required (Rx) | Take 30–60 minutes before first meal — investigate persistent symptoms before long-term use — regular medical review required