Side Effects of Omeprazole/Sodium Bicarbonate

If you are taking omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate, you may develop side effects like headaches, diarrhea, and abdominal (stomach) pain. Although most problems are minor and are generally easy to treat, serious side effects may also occur. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or hallucinations.

An Introduction to Omeprazole/Sodium Bicarbonate Side Effects

As with any medicine, omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid®) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
 

Serious Side Effects

Some omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate side effects should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider.
 These potential side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Symptoms of milk-alkali syndrome (a condition involving dangerously high calcium levels due to excessive calcium and sodium bicarbonate consumption), such as:
     
    • Kidney stones (and the pain that accompanies kidney stones)
    • An unexplained increase in urination
    • Fatigue and/or confusion
    • Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
 
  • Signs of an allergic reaction to omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate, such as:
     
    • An unexplained rash
    • Hives
    • Itching
    • Unexplained swelling, especially of the mouth, lips, or throat
    • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
    • Difficulty swallowing
 
  • Depression, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, or confusion
  • Symptoms of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), such as:
     
    • Nausea
    • Fever or chills
    • Extreme pain in the upper abdomen (stomach)
    • Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
 
  • Signs of liver damage, such as yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, or upper abdominal pain
  • Seizures
  • Abnormally tense muscles
  • Broken bones (some studies suggest this or other similar medications may increase the risk of bone fractures)
  • Signs of low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia), such as:
    •  
    • Muscle spasm
    • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
    • Seizures.

 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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