What Is Omeprazole/Sodium Bicarbonate Used For?

If you have problems with certain conditions involving the stomach, esophagus, or intestines, you may benefit from omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate. Uses of this medication include treating duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as preventing stress ulcers. This prescription medication works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

An Overview of Uses for Omeprazole/Sodium Bicarbonate

 Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid®) is a prescription medication used to treat several conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It is part of a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Nonprescription omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid OCT™) is also available and is approved to treat frequent heartburn (occurring at least twice a week).
 
Specific uses for prescription omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate include:
 
  • Duodenal ulcers (ulcers in the very first part of the intestine after the stomach) -- omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate can be used to treat a duodenal ulcer.
     
  • Gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers) -- omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate is approved to treat benign (noncancerous) gastric ulcers.
     
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate helps treat GERD, helping to relieve heartburn and heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) due to GERD.
     
  • Stress ulcer prophylaxis -- omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate helps to prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding (from ulcers) in people who are critically ill, such as people in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
     
Omeprazole/Sodium Bicarbonate for Ulcers
Ulcers can occur in several places in the digestive tract. One common place for an ulcer is in the duodenum (the upper part of the intestine just after the stomach). This type of ulcer is called a duodenal ulcer. Another common place to have an ulcer is the stomach. This is called a stomach ulcer, or gastric ulcer. "Peptic ulcer" is a term that includes both duodenal ulcers and stomach ulcers.
 
There are many ulcer causes, including medications, infections, and diseases. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, are a common cause of stomach ulcers. The bacteria Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori) can also cause ulcers. Certain conditions that cause an increase in the production of stomach acid also cause ulcers.
 
Common ulcer symptoms include heartburn symptoms or stomach pain (especially at night) and loss of appetite. Symptoms of bleeding ulcers include dizziness, vomiting blood, and blood in the stool (seen as dark-colored stools). Some people may not have any symptoms of an ulcer.
 
Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate is approved for both duodenal ulcers and stomach ulcers. This medication is approved to help heal both types of ulcers.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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