Zegerid (Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate)

Description

Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate is a combination drug used:

• For short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcers
• For short-term treatment of active benign gastric ulcers
• For the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• To maintain the healing of erosive esophagitis
• To decrease the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients who are critically ill

Directions

Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate come in a capsule and as a powder for oral suspension. It is available in 20 mg and 40 mg. Use as directed by the instructions on the prescription label.

The short-term treatment of an active duodenal ulcer dose: 20 mg taken by mouth once a day for 4 weeks

The short-term treatment of an active benign gastric ulcer dose: 40 mg taken by mouth once a day for 4 to 8 weeks

GERD (no erosive esophagitis) dose: 20 mg taken by mouth one time a day for up to 4 weeks 

GERD (erosive esophagitis) dose: 20 mg taken by mouth one time a day for 4 to 8 weeks

Dosing to maintain the healing of erosive esophagitis: 20 mg by mouth one time a day

Dosing to reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients who are critically ill (40 mg oral suspension only): 40 mg taken by mouth to start, then 40 mg taken by mouth 6 to 8 hours later and 40 mg by mouth one time a day afterwards for 2 weeks

Ingredients

The active ingredients in each capsule and oral suspension are omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate.

Contraindications

You should not take omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate if you have an allergy to any of its ingredients.

Cautions

• Before you begin taking omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate, tell your doctor:
• If you have any allergies
• If you take any medications, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements
• If you have any health conditions
• If you currently are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• If you are currently breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
• Achieving symptomatic relief with omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate does not rule out the presence of gastric cancer.
• Atrophic gastritis may be caused by long-term treatment with omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate.
• Kidney inflammation can be caused by omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate.
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency can be caused by long-term treatment with omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate.
• The risk of diarrhea associated with C. difficile can be increased by taking omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate.
• Avoid taking omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate with clopidogrel, St. John's Wort, or rifampin.
• The risk for hip, wrist, or spinal fractures can be increased by long-term treatment with omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate.
• Low magnesium levels can be caused by long-term treatment with omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate.
• Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate can interfere with diagnostic investigations for Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Side Effects

Headache, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and flatulence are some of the most common side effects caused by omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate.

Immediately talk to your doctor if you have bothersome or persistent side effects.

Reference:

Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate Prescribing Information. Raleigh, NC: Santarus, Inc.; 2014.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....