Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 6/10/2009

Question
Why Rabeprazole is supplied as enteric coated though it has to act in Stomach?

Answer
Hi Sienna,
It is true that rabeprazole acts on the stomach, but the drug does not get absorbed directly into the cells on which it acts. It first enters the blood from teh intestine and then it reaches the site of action thourhg systemic circulation. It is a common misconception that drugs applied directly to an organ will have better effect that drugs given orally. By this theory one should make an ointment of aspirin and directly apply it to the head, when you have an headache.
Ravi Ghooi