Ilaprazole
About Ilaprazole
Ilaprazole belongs to the class of antiulcer medications called 'proton pump inhibitors used to treat peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus) and dyspepsia. Gastric reflux or hyperacidity occurs when our stomach produces a large amount of digestive acid, irritating the sphincter located at the stomach's tip. Thus, a damaged sphincter leads to the backflow of digestive acid into the food pipe, causing heartburn and ulcer.
Ilaprazole contains 'Ilaprazole', which works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as the gastric proton pump responsible for the production of acid. This reduces the amount of acid produced, heals the ulcers and prevents the formation of new ulcers. Thus, Ilaprazole prevents symptoms of hyperacidity which includes heartburn and indigestion.
Ilaprazole should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. In some cases, you may experience common side effects such as headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence (wind), weakness, flu-like symptoms, back pain, aches, infection, difficulty sleeping, cough, sore throat and runny nose. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Inform your doctor before taking Ilaprazole if you have a stomach tumour, liver disease or if you are due to have Chromogranin A blood test. In long-term treatment, Ilaprazole may cause low magnesium and vitamin B12 levels and increase the risk of bone fractures. Do not take Ilaprazole if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ilaprazole may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so drive only if you are alert. Ilaprazole should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol during the treatment as Ilaprazole can increase drowsiness and stomach acid production. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Ilaprazole
Medicinal Benefits
Ilaprazole belongs to a group of antiulcer medicines called proton pump inhibitors. Ilaprazole is used to treat duodenal ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus), heartburn and erosive oesophagitis (acid-related damage to the lining of the oesophagus). Ilaprazole works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as the gastric proton pump responsible for the production of acid. This reduces the amount of acid produced, heals the ulcers and prevents the formation of new ulcers.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ilaprazole
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Nausea, vomiting, flatulence
- Weakness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Back pain, aches,
- Infection
- Difficulty sleeping
- Cough, sore throat and runny nose
Drug Warnings
Do not take Ilaprazole if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor before taking Ilaprazole if you have a stomach tumour, liver disease, or if you are due to have Chromogranin A blood test. In long-term treatment, Ilaprazole may cause low magnesium levels and vitamin B12 levels and increase the risk of bone fractures; the doctor may advise regular tests to monitor your condition. Do not take Ilaprazole if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ilaprazole may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so drive only if you are alert. Ilaprazole should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol and Ilaprazole as it could lead to increased drowsiness and elevate stomach acid production. Prolonged intake of Ilaprazole is linked with a greater risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, so if you develop diarrhoea that does not improve, immediately consult a doctor. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ilaprazole may have interaction with a pain killer (aspirin, naproxen), osteoporosis medication (ibandronate, etidronic acid, alendronic acid, clodronic acid), antifungal drugs (fluconazole), iron supplements (ferrous sulphate anhydrous), anti sleeping drugs (dextroamphetamine, amphetamine), anti-cancer drugs (dacomitinib) and anti-inflammatory drugs (budesonide).
Food-Drug Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Ilaprazole may interact with kidney disease, liver disease, bone fractures, and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Ilaprazole. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionIlaprazole is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Before taking this medicine, the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionThis medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Before taking this medicine, the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor.
Driving
cautionIlaprazole may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionNot enough data is available on the interaction between Ilaprazole and liver function. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns.
Kidney
cautionNot enough data is available on the interaction between Ilaprazole and kidney function. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns.
Children
unsafeIlaprazole should not be given to children as 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 increasing 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.
- Practise relaxation techniques and avoid stress by doing yoga or meditation.
- Avoid foods such as high-fat, spicy chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, onion, garlic, tea and soda.
- Avoid sitting continuously, as it may trigger acidity. Take a break of 5minutes break every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
Special Advise
- Inform your doctor before taking Ilaprazole if you are due to have Chromogranin A blood test.
- Ilaprazole may cause abnormal blood and liver enzyme values. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Ilaprazole.
- Long-term use of Ilaprazole may cause an increased risk of bone fractures, stomach infections and vitamin B12 deficiency. The doctor may advise regular tests to monitor your condition.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acid reflux: The stomach is usually protected from the acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, the mucous layer gets eroded due to excess acid production, which leads to complications like acidity, GERD, heartburn and peptic ulcer. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn. A duodenal ulcer is a painful condition followed by the development of sores or ulcers in the duodenum or stomach lining (the first part of the small intestine, i.e., the duodenum).
FAQs
Ilaprazole is used to treat peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus) and dyspepsia.
Ilaprazole contains 'Ilaprazole', which works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as the gastric proton pump responsible for the production of acid. This reduces the amount of acid produced, heals the ulcers and prevents the formation of new ulcers. Thus, Ilaprazole prevents symptoms of hyperacidity which includes heartburn and indigestion.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Ilaprazole. Drink lots of fluids and eat fibre-rich food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in your stools (tarry stools) or if you experience excess diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Prolonged intake of Ilaprazole is linked with a greater risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, so if you develop diarrhoea that does not improve, immediately consult a doctor.
Avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol while taking Ilaprazole as it may lead to increased dizziness. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Ilaprazole may cause dizziness and sleepiness. So, drive only if you are alert and omit driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or sleepy.
Ilaprazole is contraindicated in drugs belonging to the class of anti-osteoporosis medications. Ilaprazole decreases the efficiency of anti-osteoporosis medication.
No, Ilaprazole only treats hyperacidity, ulcer and gastric reflux, not nausea and vomiting. Consult your doctor for further advice.
Do not discontinue Ilaprazole without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Ilaprazole for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Ilaprazole.
Ilaprazole may cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence (wind), weakness, flu-like symptoms, back pain, aches, infection, difficulty sleeping, cough, sore throat and runny nose. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Yes, Ilaprazole is safe if taken in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor.
Ilaprazole should be taken for a long term only if advised by the doctor as it may cause bone problems and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Long-term treatment with Ilaprazole may cause an increased risk of bone fractures, stomach infections and vitamin B12 deficiency. The doctor may advise regular tests to monitor your condition.
Ilaprazole should be taken 1 hour before meals or as advised by the doctor.
In some cases, Ilaprazole may cause weight gain on long-term treatment. Eating a balanced meal and exercising regularly may help manage weight gain associated with the use of Ilaprazole.
