What is Zegerid: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Zegerid overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Zegerid, Zegerid OTC, Zegerid, Zegerid OTC

Generic Names:

  • Omeprazole-Sodium Bicarbonate

Uses:

  • Treats heartburn, stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a damaged esophagus. Also helps prevent stomach bleeding in critically ill patients. This medicine contains a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antidote, Gastric Acid Secretion Inhibitor

Forms:

  • Capsule, Packet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Zegerid used for?

Omeprazole-Sodium Bicarbonate comes in capsule form and is used to treat heartburn, symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and ulcers. It works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to omeprazole or sodium bicarbonate. You may not be able to use omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate if you are on a low-sodium diet. Common side effects may include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea.

What form(s) does Zegerid come in

  • Capsule

  • Packet

What are common Zegerid doses?

  • Capsule 40-1100MG

  • Capsule 20-1100MG

  • Box 30 Packet

Common Zegerid prescriptions

  • Zegerid
    30 packet box

  • Zegerid
    20-1100mg capsule

  • Zegerid
    40-1100mg capsule

  • Zegerid
    30 packet packet

How to take Zegerid

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Do not substitute two 20-milligram packets or capsules for one 40-milligram packet or capsule. You will receive too much sodium bicarbonate.

  • Capsule: Swallow whole with water. Do not take this medicine with other liquids. Do not break, crush, chew, or open the capsule.

  • Oral packet: Mix with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water in a small cup and drink the mixture right away. Do not mix with other liquids or food. Refill the cup with water and drink it to make sure you get the full dose.To prepare the oral packet for a feeding tube: Patients should not receive food for 3 hours before and 1 hour after receiving this medicine. Add 20 mL of water to a catheter-tipped syringe. Then add the contents of the package. Shake well.Give the medicine through the tube right away.Refill the syringe with an equal amount of water and shake it.Use the water to flush the tube. This helps make sure all the medicine is given.

  • Take this medicine at least 1 hour before a meal and for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral packet: Mix with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water in a small cup and drink the mixture right away. Do not mix with other liquids or food. Refill the cup with water and drink it to make sure you get the full dose.To prepare the oral packet for a feeding tube: Patients should not receive food for 3 hours before and 1 hour after receiving this medicine. Add 20 mL of water to a catheter-tipped syringe. Then add the contents of the package. Shake well.Give the medicine through the tube right away.Refill the syringe with an equal amount of water and shake it.Use the water to flush the tube. This helps make sure all the medicine is given.

  • Capsule: Swallow whole with water. Do not take this medicine with other liquids. Do not break, crush, chew, or open the capsule.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Take this medicine at least 1 hour before a meal and for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days.

  • Do not substitute two 20-milligram packets or capsules for one 40-milligram packet or capsule. You will receive too much sodium bicarbonate.

Zegerid contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to omeprazole or sodium bicarbonate.

Zegerid warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, Bartter syndrome, heart failure, lupus, or osteoporosis.

  • Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet. This medicine contains sodium.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Kidney problemsIncreased risk for broken bones in the hip, wrist, and spine (more likely if used several times per day or longer than 1 year)LupusFundic gland polyps (abnormal growth in the upper part of your stomach)

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Zegerid interactions

  • Do not use this medicine if you are also taking rilpivirine or products containing rilpivirine.

  • Some medicines can affect how omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Ampicillin, clarithromycin, cilostazol, clopidogrel, cyclosporine, digoxin, disulfiram, erlotinib, ketoconazole, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, phenytoin, rifampin, St John's wort, tacrolimus, voriconazoleBenzodiazepine medicine (including citalopram, diazepam)Blood thinner (including warfarin)Calcium or iron supplementsDiuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (including atazanavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Kidney problemsLow vitamin B12 or magnesium levelsIncreased risk for broken bones in the hip, wrist, and spine

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Zegerid side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Joint pain, rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun

  • Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss

  • Fever, joint pain, swelling in the body, unusual weight gain, change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Severe diarrhea, stomach cramps

  • Seizures, dizziness, uneven heartbeat, muscle cramps or twitching

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache