Zegerid

The active ingredient in Zegerid is omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate. Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) is a combination of two drugs. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by reducing the amount of acid produced by your stomach and contains sodium bicarbonate, which is an antacid. This type of drug often helps neutralise (or balance out) the acid in your stomach, thereby relieving heartburn. However, the objective of sodium bicarbonate in Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) is to protect omeprazole from stomach acid breakdown, rather than to relieve heartburn symptoms.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Zegerid. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Zegerid:

• Zegerid is only for short-term use, typically 4 to 8 weeks. Erosive oesophagitis can take longer to heal. Follow your doctor's dosing recommendations carefully.
• Take this medication on an empty stomach, at least an hour before eating.
• Take one Zegerid capsule with a full glass of water. Do not use any other liquids or foods. Swallow the capsule whole, without crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening it.
• To use the powder form, open the container and pour the entire contents into a small cup containing 1 or 2 teaspoons of water. Please do not use any other liquid. Stir and consume the concoction right away. Add a little more water to the glass, stir gently, and drink immediately.
• Do not combine two 20-mg capsules to make one 40-mg capsule. Do not combine two 20-mg powder packets to make one 40-mg package. If you do not take the precise capsule or powder packet that your doctor has suggested, you may get too much sodium bicarbonate.

The most common side effects of Zegerid seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Stomach pain.
• Upper respiratory tract infection (common colds).
• Chest pain.
• Lightheadedness.
• Joint pain.
• Weight gain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Zegerid. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe diarrhea includes liquid diarrhoea, a fever, and persistent stomach pain.
• Serious kidney problems include blood in the urine and urinating more or less than usual.
• Severe skin reactions or allergic reactions include fever, burning or stinging eyes, body aches, difficulty swallowing, headache, chills, joint discomfort, red patches on the skin, rash, and blisters.
• Low magnesium levels can cause irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, tremors, and seizures.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Zegerid. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Zegerid, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• You have previously experienced breathing issues, kidney problems, or a severe allergic response after using this medication.
• You also take any medication that contains rilpivirine (Edurant, Juluca, Complera, Odefsey).
• Bartter's syndrome is an uncommon renal condition.
• Liver disease.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Any allergies.
• Heart failure.
• Problems with your body's acid-base (pH) balance.
• Your blood contains low quantities of calcium, magnesium (hypomagnesemia), and potassium.
• If you're of Asian origin.
• Frequent heartburn might mimic the early signs of a heart attack. If you experience chest pain that has moved to your jaw or shoulder and you are concerned or lightheaded, get emergency medical attention.
• Zegerid contains sodium bicarbonate, a type of salt. Each pill has the equivalent of 300 mg of sodium. Each package of powder has the equivalent of 460 mg of sodium. If you follow a low-salt diet, you may be unable to utilise Zegerid. Speak with your doctor.
• You may be more likely to break a bone if you take this medication for long-term use or more than once per day.

• Taking drugs that include rilpivirine.

Allergic to benzimidazoles.

Zegerid is not meant to provide fast relief from occasional heartburn. Zegerid may take 1 to 4 days to take action, but similar to other OTC proton pump inhibitors, some people have total alleviation of symptoms within 24 hours.

When Zegerid is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Clopidogrel.
• Cyclosporine.
• Digoxin.
• Methotrexate.
• Rifampin.
• St. John’s wort.
• Warfarin.
• Nelfinavir.

Prescription Zegerid (omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate)

The pills contain 20 mg or 40 mg of omeprazole and 1,100 mg of sodium bicarbonate. The oral suspension packages contain either 20 mg or 40 mg of omeprazole and 1,620 mg of sodium bicarbonate.

The dose is in milligrams of omeprazole.

Stomach ulcer: The normal dose is 40 mg taken orally once daily for 1 to 2 months.

Duodenal ulcer: The normal dose is 20 mg taken orally once daily for 1–2 months.

GERD: The normal dose is 20 mg taken orally once daily for up to one month.

Erosive esophagitis: Take 20 mg once a day for 1–2 months.

Lower the risk of stomach bleeding (suspension only): Take 40 mg, followed by 40 mg 6 to 8 hours later, and then 40 mg once daily for 14 days.

OTC Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate)

Each capsule includes 20 milligrams of omeprazole and 1100 mg of sodium bicarbonate.

Heartburn: The typical dose is to take one capsule by mouth every day for two weeks. If necessary, repeat this treatment every four months.

Konvomep (omeprazole, sodium bicarbonate):

Stomach ulcer: The normal dose is 40 mg taken orally once daily for 1 to 2 months.

Reduce the risk of stomach bleeding in hospitalised patients: The average dose is 40 mg orally for the initial dose, followed by 40 mg 6 to 8 hours later and 40 mg once daily for the next 14 days.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Zegerid is manufactured by the pharmaceutical business Salix Pharmaceuticals, which is now part of Bausch Health.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Zegerid, such as Zegerid OTC.

It is advised not to stop taking Zegerid abruptly and speak to your doctor before wanting to stop so that they can advise the best way to wean off.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.