Gastritis is a problem that many people in our country are currently facing. When you go to a doctor with symptoms like stomach pain, heartburn, and indigestion, you may have been given a packet of medicine to dissolve in water and drink. That medicine, a combination of two ingredients called Omeprazole and Sodium Bicarbonate, is what we are going to talk about today. If this has been prescribed to you, it is very important to be fully informed about it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine works in two ways. The two ingredients in it do two separate things.
1. Omeprazole: This belongs to a class of drugs called 'Proton Pump Inhibitors' (PPIs). It works by reducing the activity of the acid-producing cells (like pumps) in your stomach. This means it controls the production of stomach acid .
2. Sodium Bicarbonate: This is an antacid. It works by quickly neutralizing the excess acid in your stomach. This means it quickly reduces the inflammation and acidity that is already present .
Imagine slowing down the flow of water into a water tank (this is done with Omeprazole), and adding something to the water already in the tank to reduce its hardness (this is done with Sodium Bicarbonate).
The combination of these two methods helps you control conditions like gastritis, heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is important for your doctor to have a complete history of your health before prescribing this medication. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to inform your doctor.
- If you have heart failure.
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you are on a low-salt diet.
- If you have previously had low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your body.
- If you have lupus.
- If you have a condition like Bartter's syndrome.
- If there is a problem with the body's acid-base balance.
- If you have previously had an allergic (unusual) reaction to Omeprazole, Sodium Bicarbonate, or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, you need to know how to use it correctly.
1. Time: This medicine should always be taken on an empty stomach . That means at least one hour before a main meal. Try to take it at the same time every day, as directed by your doctor.
2. How to dissolve: Put the powder from the medicine packet in a container. The medicine packet you are given will tell you how much water to add (usually 1-2 tablespoons). Add that amount of water, stir well, and drink immediately .
3. The rest: If there is still some medicine left in the container, add some more water to it, stir it, and drink it right away. This will ensure that all of the prescribed dose is absorbed.
4. Forgetting: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
5. Stopping: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
When taking this medication, it is very important to inform your doctor about other medications you are taking, as it may interact with some medications.
Never take with these medications:
- Atazanavir
- Clopidogrel
- Nelfinavir
- Rilpivirine
The following medications may also interact with this medicine. Therefore, if you are taking any of these, you should tell your doctor about it.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Antifungals | itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole |
| Some antivirals given for HIV or Hepatitis | - |
| Medications to prevent or treat blood clots | warfarin |
| Stress, anxiety, and sleeping pills | diazepam |
| Medicines for seizures | carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin |
| Other medications | Cilostazol, Citalopram, Cyclosporine, Dasatinib, Digoxin, Diuretics, Erlotinib, Iron supplements, Methotrexate, Mycophenolate mofetil, Rifampin, St. John's Wort, Tacrolimus, Vitamin B12 |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- See if your symptoms improve or worsen. See your doctor on scheduled appointments and discuss your condition.
- Your doctor may order some blood work. Don't skip them.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Taking this medicine for a long time may reduce the body's absorption of vitamin B12. This can cause symptoms such as numbness in the limbs, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Therefore, talk to your doctor about foods rich in vitamin B12 and, if necessary, vitamin supplements.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Severe diarrhea | Fever with diarrhea. |
| Decreased magnesium levels | Muscle pain or stiffness, unusual weakness, fast heartbeat, tremors. |
| Severe skin reactions | Redness, blistering, peeling skin (even inside the mouth), and worsening of sunburn on the cheeks or hands. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | - |
| Gas | - |
| Nausea or vomiting | - |
| Stomach pain | - |
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least one hour before a main meal.
- Dissolve the medicine powder in the prescribed amount of water, stir, and drink immediately. If there is any left in the container, add a little more water and drink that too.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe diarrhea, body swelling, or severe skin rash, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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