Exploring 9 Alternatives to Omeprazole, From H2 Blockers to Natural Products
Omeprazole (Prilosec) is a common treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Learn about omeprazole alternatives like Carafate, Nexium, and Tums.
omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate
Used for Duodenal Ulcer, Gastric Ulcer, GERD, Heartburn
Used for Duodenal Ulcer, Gastric Ulcer, GERD, Heartburn
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.
What is Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)?
What is Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) used 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
How Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) works
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) is a combination of two medications:
-
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by lowering the amount of acid made by your stomach.
-
Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid. This class of medication typically helps neutralize (or balance out) the acid in your stomach, which eases heartburn. But the purpose of sodium bicarbonate in Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) is to protect omeprazole from being broken down by stomach acid, not to treat symptoms of heartburn.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Zegerid, Konvomep |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | PPI / Antacid |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription or over-the-counter |
Side effects of Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- 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.
Less Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory infection (i.e., common cold)
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Constipation
- Lack of energy
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe diarrhea: watery diarrhea, fever, stomach pain that doesn't go away
- Serious kidney problems: blood in your urine, urinating more or less than usual
- Severe skin reaction: fever, burning or stinging eyes, body aches, trouble swallowing, headache, chills, joint pain, red spots on the skin, rash, blisters
- Seriously low magnesium levels: irregular heart rate, muscle cramps, tremors, seizures
The following Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
blurred vision
chest pain or tightness
confusion
decreased urine
dizziness
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
drowsiness
fainting
fast or irregular heartbeat
fever or chills
headache
increased thirst
lightheadedness
loss of appetite
muscle pain or cramps
muscle spasms (tetany) or twitching
nausea or vomiting
nervousness
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
pounding in the ears
rapid, shallow breathing
seizures
slow heartbeat
sweating
trembling
trouble breathing
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Bladder pain
blue lips, fingernails, or skin
bone pain
chest discomfort
cloudy urine
coma
decreased urine output
difficult, burning, or painful urination
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
frequent urge to urinate
headache
irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
irritability
lower back or side pain
muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
restlessness
stomach cramps or pain
swelling of the face, feet, lower legs, ankles, or hands
weakness or heaviness of the legs
Incidence not known
Arm, back, or jaw pain
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
chest tightness or heaviness
cough or hoarseness
dark-colored urine
difficulty with swallowing
fever with or without chills
general body swelling
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
high fever
hives or skin rash
indigestion
joint or muscle pain
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
light-colored stools
noisy breathing
nosebleeds
pain with swallowing
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rapid weight gain
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
stomach pain, continuing
sweating
swollen glands
unexplained bleeding or bruising
unusual weight gain or loss
yellow eyes or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Feeling of warmth
increased sweating
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Agitation
cold sweats
cool, pale skin
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
full feeling
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
lack or loss of strength
nightmares
passing gas
shakiness
slurred speech
white patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue
white patches with diaper rash
Incidence not known
Abnormal dreams
attack, assault, or force
bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
blindness
blue-yellow color blindness
change in taste
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
decreased vision
double vision
dry eyes or skin
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
general feeling of discomfort or illness
hair loss or thinning of the hair
hearing loss
hives or welts
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
itching, redness, tearing, or other sign of eye irritation not present before use of this medicine or becoming worse during use
lack of feeling or emotion
pain in the testes
pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
redness or other discoloration of the skin
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
sensation of spinning
severe sunburn
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
sugar in the urine
swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
trouble sleeping
uncaring
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$968.60
GoodRx discount
$30.06
Pros and cons of Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)
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
Pharmacist tips for Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)
- Over-the-counter Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) should only be used for frequent heartburn (heartburn that happens 2 or more days a week). It can take 1 to 4 days for you to see the full effect. Don't take it for more than 2 weeks without speaking with your provider.
- Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) works best when taken on an empty stomach, one hour before a meal.
- Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) capsules should be swallowed whole with water only (no other liquid). The capsules shouldn't be opened, crushed, or chewed, because this can damage the medication.
- When taking Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) powder for suspension by mouth, you should empty the contents of one packet into a small cup containing 5 to 10 mL of water. Don't mix the powder with liquids or foods other than water. Stir the mixture well and drink it right away. Then, refill the cup with water and drink it right away again to get any medication that was left behind in the cup.
- Never take two Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) capsules containing 20 mg of omeprazole to make up for one Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) capsule that contains 40 mg of omeprazole. Doing so will cause you to take double the sodium bicarbonate, which can lead to side effects.
- Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) is known to interact with several medications including warfarin (Coumadin) and methotrexate (Trexall). Ask your provider or pharmacist about medication interactions before you start taking Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate).
Risks and warnings for Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Follow up with provider needed
If Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) eases some of your stomach-related symptoms, but the symptoms come back, let your provider know. Sometimes, returning heartburn or feelings of upset stomach can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as stomach cancer. Your provider might need to order more tests to check your health.
Kidney damage
There have been reports of kidney damage by people who took PPIs, like omeprazole. This can occur at any time during treatment. If you notice symptoms of kidney damage, such as blood in the urine, changes in how often you urinate, nausea, fever, or confusion, stop taking Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) and speak to your healthcare provider right away.
Severe skin reactions
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) can cause severe medication reactions involving the skin known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). This side effect is rare, but it can be very serious. If you have flu-like symptoms along with a skin rash, blisters, or peeling, get medical help right away.
High sodium content
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) contains sodium. Taking in high levels of sodium can lead to swelling and weight gain. This can cause problems for you if you need to be on a low-sodium diet or if you have certain medical conditions, such as heart failure or high blood pressure. Talk with your provider before taking this medication if you're trying to limit your sodium intake.
Acid and base out of balance (Milk-alkali syndrome)
- Risk factors: Long-term use of Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) | Taking Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) with calcium supplements or milk for a long period of time
Milk-alkali syndrome is a condition where the body's acid/base balance shifts to more alkaline. This can lead to problems with your kidneys. Your risk for this side effect is higher if you take Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) for long periods of time or if you take this medication with calcium supplements or milk. Talk to your provider if you feel nausea, needing to urinate a lot, headache, or dizziness while taking Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate).
Severe diarrhea
- Risk factors: Being treated at a hospital
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) can raise your risk for a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea. If you notice symptoms like watery diarrhea, fever, or stomach pain that doesn't go away, talk to your healthcare provider right away. To lower your risk, use Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) at the lowest dose and for the shortest amount of time possible.
Bone fractures
- Risk factors: Taking high doses of Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) | Taking Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) for a long period of time | Taking more than one PPI
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) can raise your risk of getting bone fractures, especially if you're on a high dose or long-term treatment. Your provider might ask you to take vitamin D and calcium supplements while taking this medication. Talk with your provider about more ways to keep your bones healthy.
Lupus
Though rare, it's possible for PPIs (including omeprazole) to cause or worsen lupus. This can happen within weeks to years of continuing this medication. To lower your risk for lupus, take the lowest dose of Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) for the shortest amount of time to ease your stomach symptoms. Symptoms of lupus can be different for everyone (such as joint pain or rash), so speak to your healthcare provider about what symptoms to watch out for. Symptoms of lupus should improve within 1 to 3 months after stopping Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate).
Interactions with other medications
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) can interact with many medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. For example, it can make warfarin (Coumadin) work less well and might raise your risk for bleeds. Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) can raise the levels of methotrexate (Trexall) in your body and put you at risk for toxicity. It can make certain human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medications work less well, which put you at higher risk for infections that are more difficult to treat. Let your healthcare provider and pharmacist know all the medications you're taking before you start Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) so they can help you look for possible interactions.
Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
- Risk factors: Taking Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) for a long period of time
Rarely, Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) can cause low levels of blood magnesium or vitamin B12. This is more likely to occur with long-term use of Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) - longer than 1 year for low magnesium levels and longer than 3 years for low vitamin B12 levels.
Symptoms can include:
- Low magnesium: nausea, vomiting, tiredness, muscle cramps, tremor, "pins and needles" feeling in your hands and feet, not feeling hungry
- Low vitamin B12: weakness, tiredness, dizziness, changes in balance or coordination, pale skin
If you notice any of these symptoms, let your provider know.Your healthcare provider can do a blood test to see if you need to take a vitamin B12 or magnesium supplement while taking Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate).
Small growths in the stomach
- Risk factors: Taking Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) for a long period of time
Rarely, Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) can raise your risk for developing small growths or bumps in the stomach. These growths typically don't cause any symptoms, but you should keep your treatment time with Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) as short as possible to avoid side effects.
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) dosage
The average cost for 30 capsules of 40mg/1100mg of Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) is $30.06 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 96.90% off the average retail price of $968.60.
Interactions between Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) and other drugs
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abametapir
- Acalabrutinib
- Amphetamine
- Atazanavir
- Benzphetamine
- Bosutinib
- Cabotegravir
- Capecitabine
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clopidogrel
- Clorazepate
- Conivaptan
- Dacomitinib
- Dasabuvir
- Dasatinib
- Delavirdine
- Dextroamphetamine
- Digoxin
- Elagolix
- Erdafitinib
- Erlotinib
- Escitalopram
- Eslicarbazepine Acetate
- Fosnetupitant
- Gefitinib
- Indinavir
- Ketoconazole
- Ledipasvir
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Mefenamic Acid
- Memantine
- Methamphetamine
- Methotrexate
- Mycophenolate Mofetil
- Nelfinavir
- Neratinib
- Netupitant
- Nilotinib
- Octreotide
- Ombitasvir
- Paritaprevir
- Pazopanib
- Pexidartinib
- Rilpivirine
- Ritonavir
- Saquinavir
- Secretin Human
- Selpercatinib
- Sunitinib
- Tacrolimus
- Velpatasvir
- Vismodegib
- Voriconazole
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Armodafinil
- Carbamazepine
- Chloroquine
- Digoxin
- Disulfiram
- Fluconazole
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Iron
- Levothyroxine
- Raltegravir
- St John's Wort
- Tipranavir
- Triazolam
- Warfarin
How much does Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) will not be safe for you to take.
- Taking rilpivirine-containing medications
- Allergy to benzimidazoles
What are alternatives to Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) images
