Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking rabeprazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are using the tablets, take your dose by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times daily. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

If you are using the capsules, take the dose 30 minutes before a meal as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not swallow the capsule whole. Open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount of soft food (such as applesauce or yogurt) or liquid. The food or liquid that you use should be at or below room temperature. Swallow the entire mixture within 15 minutes of preparing it. Do not chew or crush the prepared mixture.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight.

If needed, antacids may be taken along with this medication. If you are also taking sucralfate, take rabeprazole at least 30 minutes before sucralfate.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Continue to take this medication for the prescribed length of treatment even if you are feeling better.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. The risk of side effects goes up over time. Ask your doctor how long you should take this medication.