Rebamipide, an amino acid derivative of 2-(1H)-quinolinone, is used for mucosal protection,[1] healing of gastroduodenal ulcers, and treatment of gastritis.

[2] It works by enhancing mucosal defense, scavenging free radicals,[3] and temporarily activating genes encoding cyclooxygenase-2.

[4] Studies have shown that rebamipide can fight the damaging effects of NSAIDs on the GIT mucosa,[5] and more recently, the small intestine, but not for naproxen-induced gastric damage.

[6] Rebamipide is used in a number of Asian countries including Japan (marketed as Mucosta), South Korea, China[7] and India (where it is marketed under the trade name Rebagen).

It is usually used to treat gastric ulcer and improve gastric mucosal lesion (erosion, bleeding, redness and edema) in acute gastritis and acute exacerbation period of chronic gastritis.