Zegerid (Omeprazole / Sodium Bicarbonate)

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Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid) reduces the amount of acid in the stomach. Omeprazole reduces the acid and the sodium bicarbonate (an antacid) raises the pH in the stomach to keep the omeprazole from breaking down in the stomach acid.

Zegerid is prescribed for GERD, erosive esophagitis, and, in some cases, the short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer and benign gastric ulcer.

How should it be used?

This medicine comes in 20-mg and 40-mg capsules and packets.

  • Take on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before eating.
  • Some patients may be required to take the medication at night or in the morning.
  • Take the capsule or powder only with water. Do not use any other type of liquid or food.
  • Do not open the capsule and put into food.
  • If you are using the packet, empty the entire packet into a small cup with 1-2 tablespoons of water. Do not use any other kind of liquids or food.
  • Stir well and drink the mixture right away. Do not save for later.
  • After you drink the medicine add a little more water to the cup and drink that as well.
  • Do not use two 20-mg capsules to equal one 40-mg capsule or packet. Use may get too much sodium bicarbonate that way. Use it exactly as directed.

Special Precautions/Instructions

Before you start taking this medicine tell you doctor about any of the following:

  • All of the medications (including over the counter), vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you are taking.
  • Have a problem (hypersensitivity) to omeprazole or any other ingredient in this drug:
    -capsules: omeprazole, sodium bicarbonate, croscarmellose sodium, sodium stearyl fumarate.
    -powder for oral suspension: omeprazole, sodium bicarbonate, sylitol, sucrose, sucralose, xanthan gum, and flavorings.
  • Are allergic to any other proton pump inhibitor medication
  • Are on a sodium restricted diet
  • Have Bartter’s syndrome, hypokalemia, respiratory alkalosis, and problems with acid-base balance.
  • Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.

DO NOT USE if you:

  • Are allergic to omeprazole or any other component of this medication.
  • Have metabolic alkalosis or hypocalcemia.

Side Effects

The most common side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Mild diarrhea or constipation
  • White patches or sores inside your mouth or on you lips
  • Mild fever.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction including:

  • hives (itching)
  • trouble breathing
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • easy bruising or bleeding
  • unusual weakness
  • watery or bloody diarrhea
  • fast or slow heartbeats

Storage Conditions

This medication should be stored at room temperature (59-86 degrees F). Keep out of reach of children. Protect from sunlight and moisture.

Emergency/Overdose

Call the national poison control center 1-800-222-1222 or 911 in the event of overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection.

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