Uses

What is omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate used for?

Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate is used to treat heartburn and certain other conditions caused by too much acid in the stomach.

Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate work (mechanism of action)?

Omeprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid and neutralizes the acid in your stomach.

How is omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate supplied (dosage forms)?

Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate is available as Konvomep, Zegerid OTC, and generic omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 20 mg/1100 mg oral capsules
  • 40 mg/1100 mg oral capsules
  • 2 mg/84 mg per mL oral suspension
  • 20 mg/1680 mg packets of powder for oral suspension
  • 40 mg/1680 mg packets of powder for oral suspension

How should I store omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate?

Oral Capsules and Powder. Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate capsules and powder packets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Oral Liquid. Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate oral suspension should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) for up to 30 days. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store your omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate oral suspension. Avoid freezing.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate?

The most common side effects of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Gas

There may be other side effects of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Kidney problems. A type of kidney problem called acute tubulointerstitial nephritis can happen at any time during treatment with omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate. If you notice a decrease in the amount of your urine or see blood in your urine, call your doctor right away. 

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut during treatment with omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Severe Skin Reactions. Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate can cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Severe Allergic Reaction called DRESS. Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate can cause a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop using the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this serious allergic reaction.

  • Skin rash or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Dark colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Lupus. Some medicines, such as omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate, can cause certain types of lupus or cause worsening of lupus you already have. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder where your immune cells attack other cells or organ in your body. Tell your provider right away if you have new or worsening joint pain or a rash on your arms or cheeks.

Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate can cause you to absorb less vitamin B-12 than usual, which can cause low vitamin B-12 levels. You have a higher risk of this if you take omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate for a long time (3 years or longer). Stop using omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Sore tongue
  • Weakness 
  • Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet

Hypomagnesemia. Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate can cause low magnesium levels, also known as hypomagnesemia, which can be serious. Decreased magnesium levels can cause seizures or heart rhythm problems. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who take the omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate for a long time or those that take other medicines that can cause low magnesium. Stop using omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as fast or skipping heartbeat
  • Dizziness 
  • Muscle spasms
  • Seizures 

Bone loss and fractures. Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate may cause bone loss and increase your risk for fractures. The risk is higher in older adults and people taking omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate for a long time or taking a high dose.

Alkalosis. Long-term use of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate can cause systemic alkalosis. This refers to a change in your blood’s pH level. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of systemic alkalosis.

  • Confusion
  • Muscle spasms
  • Tremors
  • Numbness in your hands, feet, or face

Severe Allergic Reactions. Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate.

  • Omeprazole
  • Prilosec
  • Prilosec OTC
  • Zegerid 
  • Konvumep
  • Sodium bicarbonate
  • Any other medicine known as a proton pump inhibitor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate before using it?

Do not take omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate out of the reach of children. Since omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate oral suspension must be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Do not chew, cut, or crush omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate capsules. 

Shake the omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate oral suspension well before using.

Take omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before a meal. 

Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate should not be used for immediate relief of heartburn. It may take 1 to 4 days for the medicine to fully work.

If omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate liquid suspension or powder is given through a nasogastric (NG) or orogastric (OG) tube, your health care provider will give you instructions on how to properly give it.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate liquid suspension. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Heart failure. If you have heart failure or are at risk for developing heart failure, talk with your healthcare provider before taking omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate. This medicine may cause edema (fluid buildup) which can worsen heart failure. If you notice symptoms of heart failure during treatment with omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate, talk with your healthcare provider right away.

Are on a low-sodium diet. Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate contains sodium. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate if you are on a low-sodium diet. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • A problem with acid-base balance in your body
  • Low blood potassium level (hypokalemia)
  • Low blood magnesium level (hypomagnesemia)
  • Low blood calcium level (hypocalcemia)
  • Liver problems
  • Bartter’s syndrome (a rare kidney problem)

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate interact with foods or drinks?

Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate should be taken on an empty stomach. Avoid taking omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate within 1 hour before meals.

Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate packets should only be mixed with water. Do not mix with other liquids or foods.

Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate contains sodium. An increase in salt intake can cause swelling and weight gain. 

Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate suspension and powder may contain sugar. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have diabetes or any other condition that requires you to limit the sugar in your diet.

Long-term use of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate with calcium or milk can cause a condition called milk-alkali syndrome. This may cause your blood calcium levels to become too high.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate.

Does omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate.

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix), which is a blood thinner used to prevent or treat blood clots
  • Cilostazol (Pletal), which is a medicine used to decrease the symptoms of intermittent claudication
  • Citalopram, which is a medicine used to treat depression
  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others)
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • Warfarin, which is used as a blood thinner
  • Certain antiretroviral medicines, such as rilpivirine (Edurant), nelfinavir (Viracept), or saquinavir (Invirase), which are used for HIV or AIDS
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Omeprazole/Sodium bicarbonate interact with other drugs you are taking?
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Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate?

If you or someone else has used too much omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

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