Packet
Chemical Name: OMEPRAZOLE (o-MEP-ra-zole)

Common uses
Zegerid is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat ulcers, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and inflammation of the esophagus. Zegerid is also used to reduce the risk of stomach bleeding in severely ill patients. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking an HIV protease inhibitor (such as atazanavir or indinavir). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking cilostazol, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, benzodiazepines (such as diazepam), disulfiram, itraconazole, ketoconazole, phenytoin, voriconazole, or warfarin. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including severe illness, liver problems, other stomach problems (such as tumors), Bartter’s syndrome, low blood potassium levels, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of metabolic alkalosis or hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH at least 1 hour before a meal. Empty the contents of the packet into a small cup that contains 1 or 2 tablespoons of water. DO NOT USE OTHER LIQUIDS OR FOODS. Stir well and drink immediately. Refill the cup with 1 or 2 tablespoons of water and drink to make sure you take the entire dose. This medicine may be taken with antacids if your doctor has instructed you to take antacids. This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of antifungal antibiotics such as ketoconazole and itraconazole. If you are taking any of these medicines while taking omeprazole, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the proper timing of each dose. Check with your doctor about taking calcium supplements or drinking milk while you are taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in the original packets. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. This medicine may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any herbal medicines containing ginkgo biloba. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN ASIAN PATIENTS because they may be more sensitive to its effects. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, or constipation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe stomach pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, symptoms of low blood levels of calcium or potassium (such as muscle pain, weakness, spasms, cramps, or seizures), or symptoms of high blood sugar (such as increased thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor). An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, drowsiness, excess sweating, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, flushing, dry mouth, muscle cramps, and seizures.

Additional information
It may take several weeks for your symptoms to improve. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. THIS MEDICINE CONTAINS SODIUM. Include this medicine when counting your daily intake of sodium. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.