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Omeprazole-Sodium Bicarbonate

Pronounced

"oh-MEH-pruh-zole/SO-dee-um bye-KAR-buh-nate"

Uses

This medication is a combination of omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate. It is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers). It is also used to prevent stomach bleeding in very ill patients.

Omeprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid that reduces stomach acid and helps omeprazole to work better. This medication relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. It helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus.

If you are self-treating with this medication, over-the-counter omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate products are used to treat frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more days a week). Since it may take 1 to 4 days to have full effect, these products do not relieve heartburn right away.

For over-the-counter products, carefully read the package instructions to make sure the product is right for you. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar brand names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before a meal) as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are taking the capsule, swallow it whole with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters). Do not use other liquids. Do not open the capsule or sprinkle the contents into food.

If you are using the powder packet, empty the contents into a small cup with 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of water. Do not use any other liquids or foods. Stir well and drink the entire mixture right away. To make sure you take the entire dose, add more water to the cup and drink all of it.

If you are using the suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

If you are giving the powder or suspension through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric or gastric tube), ask your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to properly give it. For patients receiving continuous tube feedings, the tube feeding should be stopped for 3 hours before and 1 hour after giving this medication.

Do not substitute the capsules, the powder packets, or the suspension for each other, unless approved by your doctor, because they contain different amounts of sodium bicarbonate. Also, do not substitute one strength of the same dosage form for another strength (such as taking two 20-milligram capsules instead of one 40-milligram capsule). Doing so may give you too much sodium bicarbonate and increase your risk of side effects (such as swelling of the hands/feet).

If you are also taking sucralfate, take this medication at least 30 minutes before sucralfate.

Use this medication regularly 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. If you are self-treating with the over-the-counter product, do not take it for more than 14 days unless directed by your doctor.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. If you are self-treating, tell your doctor if your heartburn lasts after 14 days or if you need to use this medication more than once every 4 months. The risk of side effects goes up over time. Ask your doctor how long you should take this medication. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.