Biochem/physiol Actions
Rebamipide is an anti-ulcer agent with free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects. It has been used for mucosal protection, healing of gastroduodenal ulcers, and treatment of gastritis. It works by enhancing mucosal defense, scavenging free radicals, and temporarily activating COX-2 genes. Rebamipide significantly reduced ulcerogenesis and maintained mucosal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. It has also been used for the treatment of Behçet′s disease. Rebamipide may be involved in a noval mechanism to enhance tear secretion and increase mucin levels covering conjunctiva and cornea. |