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omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate - oral, Zegerid

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GENERIC NAME: OMEPRAZOLE/SODIUM BICARBONATE - ORAL (oh-MEH-pruh-zole/SO-dee-um bye-KAR-buh-nate)

BRAND NAME(S): Zegerid

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat acid-related stomach and throat problems (e.g., acid reflux or GERD, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome). It is also used to decrease the risk of stomach bleeding in very ill patients and may be used in combination with antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers caused by bacterial infection.This medication is a combination of omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that blocks acid production in the stomach. Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid added to decrease acid levels in the stomach and improve the effectiveness of omeprazole. Decreasing excess stomach acid can help relieve symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, and trouble sleeping. It can also prevent serious acid damage to your digestive system (e.g., ulcers, cancer of the esophagus).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily on an empty stomach 1 hour before a meal or as directed by your doctor.If you are using the capsule, take it with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not use other liquids. Do not open the capsule or sprinkle the contents into food.If you are using the packet, empty the entire contents into a small cup with 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 milliliters) of water. Do not use any other liquids or foods. Stir well and drink the entire mixture immediately. Do not save it for later use. To make sure you take all the medication, add more water to the cup and drink all of it.If this medication is to be given through an oral or nasal tube, empty the entire contents of a packet into a small container with about 20 milliliters of water. Do not use any other liquids or foods. Stir the mixture well and give immediately into the tube using the proper syringe. Wash the mixture through the tube with more water (about 20 milliliters). For patients receiving continuous tube feedings, the tube feeding should be stopped for 3 hours before and 1 hour after giving this medication.If needed, other antacids may be taken along with this medication.The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Different strengths of this medication contain the same amount of sodium bicarbonate in each dose. Do not take double of any strength (e.g., two 20 milligram packets) without your doctor's approval since this may give you too much sodium bicarbonate, increasing the risk of side effects (e.g., swelling of hands/feet).Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Continue to take this medication for the prescribed length of treatment, even if you are feeling better.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

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