What is the use of Raz 20 tablet? A Comprehensive Guide

October 6, 2025 •

2 min read

Over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month. Raz 20 tablet is a prescription medication designed to address the root cause of excessive stomach acid production, which contributes to this and other serious digestive issues. This guide explains exactly what is the use of Raz 20 tablet and how its active ingredient works to provide relief.

Quick Summary

Raz 20 tablet, which contains the active ingredient rabeprazole, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production. It is prescribed to treat and heal various acid-related conditions, including GERD, duodenal and gastric ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Key Points

Reduces Stomach Acid: Raz 20, containing rabeprazole sodium, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that decreases the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
Treats GERD and Ulcers: It is widely used for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis (EE), duodenal ulcers, and gastric ulcers.
Combats H. pylori: The tablet is part of a combination therapy to eradicate the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is a common cause of stomach ulcers.
Requires Long-Term Caution: Prolonged use can lead to potential side effects like low magnesium levels, vitamin B12 deficiency, and an increased risk of bone fractures.
Precise Administration is Key: Patients must follow their doctor's instructions exactly and swallow the delayed-release tablet whole without crushing or chewing it.
Consult a Professional: Due to potential drug interactions and contraindications, it is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications and existing health conditions before starting Raz 20.
Not for Immediate Relief: Raz 20 is not intended for instant relief of occasional heartburn; alternative treatments like antacids may be necessary.

What is Raz 20 Tablet?

Raz 20 tablet contains rabeprazole sodium and is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production. The 20 mg dosage comes in a delayed-release tablet designed to protect the medication from stomach acid until it reaches the intestine.

The Mechanism of Action: How Raz 20 Reduces Stomach Acid

Rabeprazole works by inhibiting proton pumps in the stomach lining, which are responsible for producing acid. By blocking these pumps, Raz 20 significantly reduces stomach acid secretion, allowing damaged tissues to heal. This mechanism is key to understanding what is the use of Raz 20 tablet.

Primary Medical Uses of Raz 20 Tablet

Raz 20 is prescribed for conditions caused by excessive stomach acid. These include Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Erosive Esophagitis (EE), Duodenal and Gastric Ulcers, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection (used with antibiotics), and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.

Dosage and Administration

Follow your doctor's instructions precisely regarding how to take Raz 20 tablet. Swallow the delayed-release tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or split them.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

Common side effects of Raz 20 may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. Long-term use can lead to more serious issues like low magnesium levels, bone fractures, and Vitamin B12 deficiency. Inform your doctor if you experience concerning symptoms or severe diarrhea.

Comparison with Other Acid-Reducing Medications


Feature	Raz 20 (Rabeprazole, PPI)	Antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox)	H2 Blockers (e.g., Famotidine, Cimetidine)
Mechanism	Blocks proton pumps to stop acid production at the source.	Neutralizes existing stomach acid.	Blocks histamine receptors to reduce acid secretion.
Speed of Action	Begins working within an hour, but full effect takes days to weeks.	Fast-acting, provides immediate relief.	Takes effect within a few hours.
Duration of Effect	Provides sustained, long-lasting acid reduction.	Short-lived, lasts only a few hours.	Lasts longer than antacids but not as long as PPIs.
Best For	Chronic, persistent acid-related issues like GERD, ulcers, and EE.	Occasional, on-demand heartburn relief.	Less frequent or severe heartburn, or as an alternative to PPIs.
Administration	Taken regularly, usually before a meal.	Taken as needed for symptom relief.	Taken regularly for control, or on-demand.

Contraindications and Important Precautions

Discuss your medical history with your doctor before taking Raz 20. It should not be used if you have allergies to rabeprazole or similar compounds. Caution is advised for those with liver disease, and its use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not well-established. Raz 20 is not typically recommended for children under 12. It can interact with medications like warfarin and methotrexate, so inform your doctor of all your current drugs.

Conclusion

In summary, the primary use of Raz 20 tablet is to reduce stomach acid and treat conditions like GERD, ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is a prescription medication, and it's essential to follow medical guidance due to potential side effects and interactions.

For more detailed pharmacological information on rabeprazole, refer to the {Link: DailyMed database https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=d1444508-fe40-4f68-8350-52f13399e38a}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The active ingredient in Raz 20 tablet is rabeprazole sodium.

You should take Raz 20 tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The delayed-release tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or split.

No, Raz 20 is not for immediate heartburn relief. It can take some time to reach its full effect, and for occasional symptoms, antacids are more appropriate.

It is important to consult your doctor before using Raz 20 if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as its safety in these situations is not well-established.

Common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, and constipation.

Prolonged use (over a year) may increase the risk of bone fractures, low magnesium levels, and Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Yes, Raz 20 can interact with other drugs like warfarin, methotrexate, and certain HIV medications. Always inform your doctor about all your current medications.