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Compare Zegerid vs. Tagamet HB

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) and cimetidine (Tagamet HB) are both used to treat conditions related to excess stomach acid. But they have several differences. Zegerid combines a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and an antacid, which lowers stomach acid and protects the omeprazole from being broken down by stomach acid. Cimetidine, on the other hand, is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that blocks acid production in the stomach. Zegerid is typically taken once daily, while cimetidine can be taken one to 4 times a day depending on the condition being treated. Zegerid and cimetidine are both available over-the-counter and by prescription. Zegerid can cause side effects like headache, stomach pain, and diarrhea, and long-term use can lead to bone fractures and low magnesium levels. Cimetidine has fewer side effects, such as headache and dizziness, but it interacts with many medications, which can be a concern. Both medications are available in generic forms.

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Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)
Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)
Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
Summary of Zegerid vs. Tagamet HB
Summary for PPI / Antacid
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) is a combination medication used to treat conditions related to having too much stomach acid. This medication is typically taken by mouth once daily. But don't take it longer than what your provider recommends. Doing so raises your risk for side effects, such as bone fractures or low magnesium levels. Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) is available as a powder that can be made into a liquid suspension for people who have trouble swallowing pills.
Summary for Histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA)
Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that lowers how much acid is made in the stomach. The over-the-counter (OTC) version relieves and prevents heartburn in people 12 years and older. Higher strengths of cimetidine are prescription only and are used to treat acid reflux, stomach and gut ulcers, and other stomach acid problems in people 16 years and older. Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) is taken by mouth one to four times a day, depending on what stomach problem you have. This medication has few side effects, which can include headache, dizziness, and diarrhea.
Indications of Zegerid vs. Tagamet HB
Indications for
Prescription-strength Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) capsules and suspension:

•Stomach ulcer

•Duodenal (first part of small intestine) ulcer

•Heartburn and other symptoms related gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

•Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) due to GERD

•Lower the risk of stomach bleeding in hospitalized people (suspension only)

OTC Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) capsules:

•Frequent heartburn

Konvomep (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) suspension:

•Stomach ulcer

•Lower the risk of stomach bleeding in hospitalized people

Indications for

•Heartburn related to indigestion and sour stomach - OTC only

•Erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - prescription only

•Gastric and duodenal ulcers - prescription only

•Conditions that cause too much stomach acid (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) - prescription only
Pros and Cons of Zegerid vs. Tagamet HB
Pros and Const for PPI / Antacid
Pros

•Available over the counter

•Packet form is a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills

•Typically taken once daily

•Available as lower-cost generics

•Longer-lasting relief than some other medications for heartburn

Cons

•Takes 1 to 4 days to ease heartburn

•Has sodium, so not a good option for people on sodium-restricted diets

•Typically has to be taken on an empty stomach before meals for best results

•Can interact with other medications

•Long-term use can weaken your bones and cause low vitamin B12 and magnesium

Pros and Const for Histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA)
Pros

•Available as an OTC product for heartburn only

•Available as a tablets and an oral solution

Cons

•Interacts with many medications, including warfarin (Coumadin) and propranolol

•Might not work as well as you continue taking the medication (when taken long-term)
Common Side Effects of Zegerid vs. Tagamet HB
Common Side Effects for

•Headache (3-7%)

•Stomach pain (2-5%)

•Diarrhea (3-4%)

•Nausea (2-4%)

•Gas (3%)

•Vomiting (2-3%)

Please note: These side effects were reported in clinical trials by people who took omeprazole only. The side effects you experience from Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) might differ.
Common Side Effects for

•Diarrhea

•Headache

•Dizziness

•Sleepiness
Warnings of Zegerid vs. Tagamet HB
Common Side Effects for

•Follow up with provider needed

•Kidney damage

•Severe skin reactions

•High sodium content

•Acid and base out of balance (Milk-alkali syndrome)

•Severe diarrhea

•Bone fractures

•Lupus

•Interactions with other medications

•Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels

•Small growths in the stomach

Common Side Effects for

•Speak with provider if symptoms don't go away or come back

•Confusion

•Drug interactions
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Key takeaways

Summary of Zegerid vs. Tagamet HB

Indications of Zegerid vs. Tagamet HB

Pros and Cons of Zegerid vs. Tagamet HB

Common Side Effects of Zegerid vs. Tagamet HB

Warnings of Zegerid vs. Tagamet HB

Prices with our coupons for Zegerid vs. Tagamet HB

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