How to use ZEGERID Capsules or Powder for Oral Suspension
For your convenience, ZEGERID (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) comes in two forms: 1) capsules, and 2) powder for oral suspension. Both capsules and powder for oral suspension come in 40 mg (milligrams) and 20 mg dosage strengths. Your doctor will inform you which dosage strength is best for you.
Each ZEGERID Capsule contains 1100 mg of sodium bicarbonate (equivalent to 304 mg of sodium). Each packet of ZEGERID (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) Powder for Oral Suspension contains 1680 mg of sodium bicarbonate (equivalent to 460 mg of sodium).
Here are some simple and helpful directions for using these two forms (capsules or powder). The recommended dose of ZEGERID is once a day, on an empty stomach, at least one hour before a meal.
ZEGERID Capsules
Place the capsule onto your tongue and swallow with a drink of water. Do not chew capsules.
- Do not use liquids other than water to swallow ZEGERID.
- Do not open the capsules or mix the contents with food.
ZEGERID Powder for Oral Suspension
The Powder for Oral Suspension form of ZEGERID comes in convenient individual packets of powder that you mix well with 1-2 tablespoons of water and drink immediately. Refill cup with water and drink.
Please review these directions on how to get the best results with ZEGERID Powder.
- Do not use liquids other than water to swallow ZEGERID.
- Do not mix powder with food.
Recommended dosing for ZEGERID
- For heartburn resulting from acid reflux disease, the recommended dose is 20 mg once a day for up to 4 weeks.
- For erosive esophagitis, the recommended dose is 20 mg once a day for up to 4-8 weeks.
- To maintain the healing of erosive esophagitis, 20 mg once a day may be prescribed as a regular dose by your doctor.
- For duodenal ulcers, the recommended dose is 20 mg once a day for 4 weeks.
- For gastric ulcers, the recommended dose is 40 mg once a day for 4 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe an additional 4 weeks of medicine if needed.
Side effects
Side effects of ZEGERID include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Relief of your symptoms while on ZEGERID does not rule out that other serious stomach conditions may exist.
Sodium content
ZEGERID Capsules contain 304 mg of sodium. ZEGERID Powder for Oral Suspension contains 460 mg of sodium. These amounts are comparable to the amount of sodium in an ounce of corn flakes (350 mg). A single capsule is 13% of the American Heart Association's recommended daily intake of 2,300 mg of sodium. A single dose of powder for oral suspension is 20% of the American Heart Association's recommended daily intake of 2,300 mg of sodium. For people with heart failure, the American Heart Association's recommended sodium intake is no more than 2,000 mg per day. These amounts should be taken into consideration by anyone on a sodium restricted diet. People with metabolic alkalosis and hypocalcemia should not take ZEGERID.
ZEGERID is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any components of the formulation.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers
There are no clinical studies of ZEGERID in pregnant women or nursing mothers. Women who are pregnant or nursing should talk to their physicians before using ZEGERID.
Next page: GERD/Acid Reflux Diet & Lifestyle Tips

