What is "rebamipide"

n. An amino acid derivative of 2(1H)-quinolinone, used for mucosal protection, healing of gastroduodenal ulcers, and treatment of gastritis.

Rebamipide, an amino acid derivative of 2-(1H)-quinolinone, is used for mucosal protection, healing of gastroduodenal ulcers, and treatment of gastritis. It works by enhancing mucosal defense, scavenging free radicals, and temporarily activating genes encoding cyclooxygenase-2.

Rebamipide is used in a number of Asian countries including Japan (marketed as Mucosta), South Korea, China and India (where it is marketed under the trade name Rebagen). It is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States.

Studies have shown that rebamipide can fight the damaging effects of NSAIDs on the GIT mucosa, and more recently, the small intestine. It has also been studied for the treatment of Behçet's disease. It was shown to successfully treat pouchitis in a single-N study after first-line therapies for the condition were unsuccessful.http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/12/656.pdf

Some studies have shown effectiveness in presbyacusis (age-related hearing loss).

It has also been shown to alleviate signs and symptoms of dry eyes in a randomised controlled trial although this is not yet widely available clinically.