Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate
About Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate
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 the oesophagus caused by stomach acid). GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus (food pipe). 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 the gastric proton pump, which is responsible for acid production. Sodium bicarbonate has an alkaline pH, which helps in neutralising the acidic pH in the stomach. Together, Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate helps to provide relief from acidity.
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 specific 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 if you have problems with acid-base balance (pH) or low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium. Talk to your doctor before taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate if you have osteoporosis, as 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 has 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
• Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Reduces stomach acid and relieves symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion.
• Management of peptic ulcers: Promotes healing of stomach and duodenal ulcers by decreasing acid production.
• Prevention of ulcer recurrence: Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate prevents the recurrence of ulcers, particularly in individuals on NSAIDs or infected with Helicobacter pylori.
Maintenance of esophageal healing: Protects the esophagus from re-injury in patients recovering from acid-induced damage (erosive esophagitis).
• Prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding: Reduces the chance of upper stomach bleeding in severely ill or hospitalised patients by lowering stomach acid.
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 the oesophagus caused by 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 the gastric proton pump, which is responsible for acid production. Sodium bicarbonate has an 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
- Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at least one hour before a meal.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Empty the powder from the sachet into a glass of water. Stir well until the powder is evenly dispersed in the water, and drink immediately.
- Do not store the prepared mixture for later use.
Storage
Side Effects of Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Gas
- Diarrhoea
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 has 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: Inform the doctor if you are taking Immunosuppressants (mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, methotrexate), Benzodiazepines (diazepam), Anticoagulants (warfarin, clopidogrel), Anticonvulsants (phenytoin), Antifungals (ketoconazole, voriconazole), Anti-HIV (nelfinavir, atazanavir, saquinavir) or Antibiotics (ampicillin, clarithromycin, rifampin)
Drug-Food Interactions: No interaction found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD), acid-base balance issues, sodium-water balance problems, bone fractures, or hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels).
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 breastfeeding mothers can take Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate or not.
Driving
cautionOmeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have liver impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if you have kidney impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing.
Children
cautionOmeprazole+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 increasing acidity and heartburn.
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise.
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating, as it can cause acid reflux.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes as they might increase the pressure on the abdomen, leading to acid reflux.
- Practice 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 a 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
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): The stomach is usually protected from acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets irritated or eroded, which leads to complications like GERD, hyperacidity, peptic ulcers, and heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn. Symptoms include heartburn, difficulty swallowing and a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
Duodenal ulcer: It is a sore that forms in the lining of the small intestine just beyond the stomach (duodenum). The stomach makes a strong acid that kills germs and helps you digest food. To protect themselves against this acid, duodenum cells make a barrier from mucus. If this barrier is damaged, an ulcer can form. The main cause of this barrier damage is infection with bacteria (H. pylori), medicines like NSAIDs or painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen). If you have a duodenal ulcer, you may experience symptoms such as stomach or abdominal pain (which can come and go and is relieved by taking an antacid), indigestion, nausea, feeling full after eating a small amount of food, and blood or black stools.
FAQs
Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate is used to treat heartburn, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and erosive esophagitis (damage to the oesophagus due to stomach acid).
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 the 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 4-8 weeks. 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 non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if you experience watery diarrhoea or if you find blood in your stools, as it could be a sign of a 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 10-20 cm by placing a pillow so that the head and chest are positioned 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 characterised by a high level of calcium in the body, leading to a shift in the body's acid-base balance. This could lead to a loss of kidney function.
Do not take Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate on your own, even if you experience symptomatic relief. To treat your condition effectively, continue taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you experience any difficulties while taking Omeprazole+sodium Bicarbonate.
