Zegerid (Omeprazole and Sodium Bicarbonate) - Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages

What Is Zegerid?

Zegerid (omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate) is a prescription combination drug consisting of two primary ingredients: a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), omeprazole, and an antacid, sodium bicarbonate. It is used to treat various gastric disorders. The combination of the two products is highly effective at reducing gastric acid production in adults 18 and older.

For context, a PPI is a medication that works by reducing the amount of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach.

Moreover, the ingredient omeprazole can also be categorized as an antisecretory agent. Antisecretory are compounds that are used for the long-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic disorder of the esophagus that results in a decrease of the low esophageal sphincter (LES) barrier tone, leading to acid reflux, epithelial (thin tissue forming the outer layer of a body's surface) erosion, and hyperplasia (enlargement of an organ or tissue) accompanied by inflammation.

Omeprazole reduces acid production by binding selectively and irreversibly to the H⁺/K⁺ ATPase pump to stop acid production temporarily.

In comparison, sodium bicarbonate, the other primary ingredient present in Zegerid, is classified as an antiacid. Antacids are medicines that neutralize the acid in your stomach to relieve indigestion and heartburn.

Sodium bicarbonate protects omeprazole against stomach acid degradation until it is absorbed and prolongs the antisecretory effects.

Zegerid is available as a prescription drug in the form of either capsules or as a powder to formulate into a liquid suspension.

Made up of the same two primary ingredients (omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate), the medication is available over-the-counter (OTC) as Zegerid OTC.

Drug Facts

Generic Name: Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate

Brand Name(s): Zegerid, Zegerid OTC

Drug Availability: Prescription, OTC

Therapeutic Classification: Gastric acid secretion inhibitor

Available Generically: Yes

Controlled Substance: N/A

Administration Route: Oral

Active Ingredient: Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate

Dosage Form(s): Capsules, powder for oral suspension

What Is Zegerid Used For?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zegerid for the following uses in adults 18 and older:

Zegerid OTC is used for short-term use to treat frequent heartburn (heartburn that occurs two times a week).

How to Take Zegerid?

Take Zegerid on an empty stomach at least one hour before meals. 

Read the drug label carefully and follow the guidelines:

Oral capsules

Swallow the capsule whole with water.
Do not take any other liquid besides water.
Do not break open capsules or empty the contents into food. 
Two capsules of 20 milligrams are not equivalent to one 40-milligram capsule.

Oral liquid formulation:

Prepare the suspension by emptying the packet contents into a container containing two tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of water.
Do not use liquids other than water or food to prepare the suspension.
Stir the mixture well and administer immediately. 
Refill the cup with water and drink any leftovers to ensure complete dosage.

Patients with an oral or nasal gastric tube: 

Use oral suspension.
Suspend the enteral feeding approximately three hours before and one hour after administration.
Constitute the oral suspension with approximately 20 milliliters of water.
Use only water to prepare the suspension.
Stir well and administer immediately, using an appropriately-sized syringe.
Instill the mixture in the tube and then flush the tube with an additional 20 milliliters of plain water.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 68 to 77 degrees F. Keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Do not store your medication in the bathroom.

Avoid pouring unused and expired drugs down the drain or in the toilet. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the best ways to dispose of this medicine. Visit the FDA's website to know where and how to discard all unused and expired drugs.

You can also find disposal boxes in your area. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the best ways to dispose of your medications.

If you travel with Zegerid, get familiar with your final destination's regulations. In general, be sure to make a copy of your Zegerid prescription. Keep your medication in its original container from your pharmacy with your name on the label.

Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about traveling with your medicine.

How Long Does Zegerid Take to Work?

Zegerid may take a few days to show its effects fully and relieve the symptoms.

What Are the Side Effects of Zegerid?

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.

Common Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of Zegerid are:

Call your healthcare provider if the symptoms do not go away or worsen.

Severe Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs of a severe reaction. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening.

Serious adverse effects and their symptoms include:

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (inflammation of kidney tubules and tissues)
Bone fracture 
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (skin disease)
Cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune inflammation of the skin)
Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency
Hypomagnesemia (decreased serum magnesium levels) and mineral metabolism
Fundic gland polyps (polyps in the upper portion of the stomach)

Report Side Effects

Zegerid may cause other side effects. Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your healthcare provider may send a report to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (800-332-1088).

Dosage: How Much Zegerid Should I Take?

Modifications

The following modifications (changes) should be kept in mind when using Zegerid:

Severe allergic reaction: Avoid using Zegerid if you have a known allergy to it or its ingredients. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for a complete list of the ingredients if you're unsure.

Pregnancy: We don't know enough about the safety and effectiveness of Zegerid in pregnant people and the unborn fetus based on the available data. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant, and weigh the benefits and risks of taking Zegerid during your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Clinical data indicate that omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate is present in breast milk. There is no clinical data to determine the effects of Zegerid on the breastfed infant. Talk with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks of taking Zegerid while nursing and the different ways to feed your baby if you plan to breastfeed.

Adults over 65: Clinical studies show that older adults do not respond differently from younger adults. However, older adults with several medical conditions or taking several medications should use caution with Zegerid. Older adults might also be more sensitive to Zegerid's side effects.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Zegerid have not been established in children.

Other modifications: Avoid using Zegerid in people with hepatic (liver) problems for healing erosive esophagitis. Avoid the use of Zegerid in people of Asian origin for the maintenance of erosive esophagitis.

Missed Dose

If you accidentally forgot your Zegerid dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's already close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the following dose at your next scheduled dosing time. Don't try to double up to make up for the missed dose.

Try to find ways that work for you to help yourself remember to routinely keep your appointments and take your medication. If you miss too many doses, Zegerid might be less effective at treating or preventing your condition.

Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Zegerid?

In case of an accidental overdose of Zegerid, seek immediate medical attention. The treatment should be supportive and symptomatic.

What Happens If I Overdose on Zegerid?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on Zegerid, call a healthcare provider or the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222).

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Zegerid, call 911 immediately.

Precautions

What Are Reasons I Shouldn't Take Zegerid?

Zegerid is discouraged in people with hypersensitivity to Zegerid or its components. Hypersensitivity reactions include:

People with the following conditions should also not use Zegerid:

Hepatic disease for maintenance of heating of erosive esophagitis
Asian population for maintenance of heating of erosive esophagitis
Using rilpivirine-containing products. Rilpivirine is used along with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)

What Other Medications May Interact With Zegerid?

Use caution when taking Zegerid with the following medications. These drugs may require a change or adjustment of dose depending on your use:

Edurant (rilpivirine)
Reyataz (atazanavir)
Viracept (nelfinavir)
Invirase (saquinavir)
Warfarin
Rheumatrex (methotrexate)
Cyclosporine
Antabuse (disulfiram)
St. John's wort
Rifampin
Norvir (ritonavir)
Voriconazole
Interactions with Investigations of Neuroendocrine tumors
Interaction with a secretin stimulation test
False positive urine tests for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; primary ingredient in marijuana)

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a complete list of drug interactions that can occur with Rexulti. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.

What Medications Are Similar?

Zegerid is categorized as a PPI.

There are different brands of PPIs available, including:

Use the specific brand prescribed to you by your healthcare provider. Don't switch between brands or prescription drugs with an OTC formulation without asking your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zegerid is a combination drug containing omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate and is used to treat various gastric disorders.
The combination of omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate is available OTC and used for short-term use (14 days) to treat frequent heartburn under the brand name Zegerid OTC.
Zegerid is highly effective at reducing gastric acid production. it contains a combination of a PPI and an antacid. Omeprazole reduces acid production, and sodium bicarbonate protects against the degradation of omeprazole in the stomach.
Zegerid may take a few days to show its full benefits and relieve the symptoms.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Zegerid?

Gastric disorders can be very uncomfortable and badly affect a person's daily life.

PPIs are an effective treatment to ease the symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, dyspepsia, or other symptoms associated with these disorders.

If you're taking Zegerid, consider these tips to help improve your quality of life:

Take as recommended by your healthcare provider.
If taking this drug OTC, read the label carefully and follow the instructions on how to take this drug.
Achieve a healthy diet plan to prevent a worsening condition.
Certain foods or stress might trigger gastric disorders. Avoid your triggers.
Consider working with a registered dietitian nutritionist to help you identify and manage any food triggers.
Don't skip meals.
If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your healthcare provider before taking Zegerid.
Don't take Zegerid OTC for more than 14 days.
Visit a healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve.

Medical Disclaimer

Verywell Health's drug information is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medication(s). IBM Watson Micromedex provides some of the drug content, as indicated on the page.

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