Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate
About
Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate belongs to a group of medicines called antacids used to treat heartburn, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and erosive esophagitis (damage to oesophagus due to stomach acid). GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). Duodenal ulcers are sores that develop on the duodenum's inner lining (first part of the small intestine).
Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate is a combination of two drugs: Omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) and Sodium bicarbonate (antacid). Omeprazole works by blocking an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for acid production. Sodium bicarbonate has alkaline pH, which helps in neutralising the acidic pH in the stomach. Together, Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate helps to provide relief from acidity.
Take Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate 1-2hours prior food. You are advised to take Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. You may experience certain common side-effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas, and diarrhoea in some cases. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Inform your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you have problems with acid-base (pH) balance or low levels of potassium, calcium or magnesium. Talk to your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you have osteoporosis: Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate may increase the risk of bone fractures on long term treatment. Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate should not be given to children as the safety have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol and Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate as it could lead to increased drowsiness and elevate stomach acid production.
Uses of Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate
Medicinal Benefits
Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate belongs to a group of medicines called antacids used to treat heartburn, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and erosive esophagitis (damage to oesophagus due to stomach acid). Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate is a combination of two drugs, namely: Omeprazole and Sodium bicarbonate. Omeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors, whereas Sodium bicarbonate belongs to a group of medicines called antacids. Omeprazole works by blocking the action of an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for acid production. Sodium bicarbonate has alkaline pH, which helps in neutralising the acidic pH in the stomach. Together, Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate helps to provide relief from acidity.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Gas
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you are taking rilpivirine or nelfinavir (anti-HIV). Inform your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you have severe liver or kidney problems, if you are due to have Chromogranin A test, if you have problems with acid-base (pH) balance, low levels of potassium, calcium or magnesium, if you experience unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, indigestion, vomit food or blood, or if you pass black stools. Talk to your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you have osteoporosis, Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate may increase the risk of bone fractures on long term treatment. Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate should not be given to children as the safety have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol and Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate as it could lead to increased drowsiness and elevate stomach acid production.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate may have interaction with painkillers (aspirin), statin (rosuvastatin, atorvastatin), blood thinner (clopidogrel), a drug used to treat hypothyroidism (levothyroxine), anti-depressant (duloxetine), vitamin (cyanocobalamin), azole antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole) and anti-HIV (rilpivirine, nelfinavir).
Drug-Food Interactions: Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate may have interaction with St.John’s wort (herbal supplement used to treat depression). Avoiding alcohol consumption as alcohol intake leads to increased stomach acid production, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD), acid-base balance, sodium-water balance, bone fractures, hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionOmeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate belongs to pregnancy category C. Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionOmeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate, your doctor will decide whether Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionOmeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeOmeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- Avoid lying down after eating as it causes acid reflux.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes as it might increase the pressure on the abdomen leading to acid reflux.
- Practise relaxation techniques and avoid stress by doing yoga or meditation.
- Avoid foods such as high-fat food, spicy food, chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, onion, garlic, tea and soda.
- Avoid sitting continuously as it may trigger acidity. Take a break of 5 minutes break every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
Special Advise
- Inform your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you are due to have Chromogranin A test.
- Speak with your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you have problems with acid-base (pH) balance or low levels of potassium, calcium or magnesium.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
The stomach is usually protected from the acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets eroded, which leads to complications like heartburn, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn. Symptoms include heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Duodenal ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the duodenum (first part of the small intestine) due to erosion of the protective lining. Symptoms include nausea, appetite changes, bloody or dark stools, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and indigestion. Erosive esophagitis is the inflammation that damages the lining of the oesophagus. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, chest pain, heartburn and acid regurgitation.
FAQs
Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate is a combination of two drugs: Omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) and Sodium bicarbonate (antacid). Omeprazole works by blocking the action of an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for acid production. Sodium bicarbonate has alkaline pH, which helps in neutralising the acidic pH in the stomach. Together, Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate helps to provide relief from acidity.
Do not take Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate is generally prescribed for 4-8weeks. Consult your doctor if your condition does not improve even after taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate for a month.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate. Drink enough fluids and eat fibre rich food if you experience diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if you experience watery diarrhoea or if you find blood in stools as it could be a sign of new infection. Do not take anti-diarrhoeal medicine on your own.
Avoid lying down immediately after meals to prevent acid reflux. Raise the head of the bed 10-20cm by putting a pillow so that the head and chest are above the waist. This helps in preventing acid reflux.
Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate contains omeprazole which might increase the risk of bone fractures in the hip, spine, or wrist, especially when taken for longer durations. Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you have osteoporosis.
Avoid long-term use of Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate with milk or calcium supplements as it may cause milk-alkali syndrome. The milk-alkali syndrome is a condition in which there is a high level of calcium in the body, which causes a shift in acid/base balance in the body. This could lead to loss of kidney function.
Do not take Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate on your own despite symptomatic relief. To treat your condition effectually continue taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate.