No, rabeprazole is not an antacid. It is classified as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), a type of medication that reduces the production of stomach acid by blocking the enzyme system responsible for acid secretion in the stomach lining.
This was also defined by the FDA:
Rabeprazole belongs to a class of antisecretory compounds (substituted benzimidazole proton-pump inhibitors) that do not exhibit anticholinergic or histamine H2-receptor antagonist properties, but suppress gastric acid secretion by inhibiting the gastric H+, K+ ATPase at the secretory surface of the gastric parietal cell. Because this enzyme is regarded as the acid (proton)
pump within the parietal cell, rabeprazole has been characterized as a gastric proton-pump inhibitor (Rabeprazole sodium – accessdata.fda.gov).
The Difference of Antacids
Antacids are substances that neutralize existing stomach acid, providing quick, short-term relief from heartburn and indigestion. They typically contain compounds like magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, or sodium bicarbonate. Rabeprazole does not fall into this category because it does not neutralize acid directly; instead, it works over time to decrease acid production at the source.
No Immediate Relief from Rabeprazole
While rabeprazole is effective for long-term management of acid-related conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, duodenal ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, it does not provide immediate relief like antacids do.
Where to buy Rabeprazole
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