FAQs

What is ZEGERID?

ZEGERID (omeprazole) Powder for Oral Suspension is the first and only Immediate-Release (non-enteric coated) oral PPI.

What are the approved indications for ZEGERID?

ZEGERID is indicated for the short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer, heartburn and other symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the short-term treatment (4-8 weeks) and maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis which has been diagnosed by endoscopy, the short-term treatment (4-8 weeks) of active benign gastric ulcer, and for the reduction of risk of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding in critically ill patients.

Can ZEGERID be used in pediatric patients?

ZEGERID has not been studied in pediatric patients.¹

Can ZEGERID be used in geriatric patients?

Yes. Please see ZEGERID full Prescribing Information for more information.¹

What are the advantages of ZEGERID?

ZEGERID, the first and only Immediate-Release oral PPI, provides:

• Peak plasma levels in ~30 minutes¹
  
• 24-hour acid control^1,2
  • Median gastric pH > 4 for 18.6 hours with 40 mg dose¹
    
  • Rapid and sustained gastric pH > 4 in critically ill patients¹
    
• Easy-to-use QD dosing any time of the day
  • QD nighttime dosing provides nighttime acid control ⁸
    
  • Should be taken on an empty stomach¹*
    

*At least 1 hour before a meal.

What is the important safety information for ZEGERID?

The most frequently reported adverse events with ZEGERID are headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In critically ill patients treated with ZEGERID, adverse events generally reflected the serious, underlying medical condition of the patients, and were similar for patients treated with ZEGERID and with the comparator (acid-controlling) drug. Symptomatic response to therapy does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy. Atrophic gastritis has been noted occasionally in gastric corpus biopsies from patients treated long term with omeprazole.

ZEGERID contains 460mg sodium per dose in the form of sodium bicarbonate (1680mg/20mEq), which should be taken into consideration for patients on a sodium-restricted diet. Sodium bicarbonate is contraindicated in patients with metabolic alkalosis and hypocalcemia. ZEGERID is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any components of the formulation.

How does ZEGERID differ from other PPIs?

All other oral PPIs are formulated as enteric-coated granules or tablets.^3-7 The enteric coating protects the active drug from acid degradation in the stomach but delays release. ZEGERID is the first and only Immediate-Release (non-enteric-coated) oral PPI formulation.

What is the sodium content in ZEGERID?

Each dose of ZEGERID contains 460 mg sodium.¹ This should be taken into consideration for patients on a sodium-restricted diet.

Is ZEGERID safe for use in all patients?

Please see ZEGERID full Prescribing Information for information about specific patient populations.

How is ZEGERID taken?

ZEGERID should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal.¹

Directions for use: Empty packet contents into a small cup containing 1-2 tablespoons of water. DO NOT USE OTHER LIQUIDS OR FOODS. Stir well and drink immediately. Refill cup with water and drink.

What is the stability of ZEGERID once it is mixed with water?

ZEGERID should be mixed and consumed immediately upon opening the packet. ZEGERID Suspension should not be stored.

How is a prescription for ZEGERID to be written?

ZEGERID 40 mg Oral Susp #30
1 po QD as directed

ZEGERID 20 mg Oral Susp #30
1 po QD as directed

What is the taste of ZEGERID?

ZEGERID has a peach/mint flavoring.

What sweeteners (sugars) are used in ZEGERID?

ZEGERID contains ~4 g of sugar and a low-calorie sweetener.¹

Is ZEGERID appropriate for patients with diabetes?

A physician should determine whether ZEGERID is appropriate for a patient with diabetes.

What is the half-life of ZEGERID?

In healthy subjects, the mean plasma half-life is 1 hour (range 0.4 to 3.2 hours). However, ZEGERID has a long duration of action due to apparent irreversible binding to the parietal cell.¹

Why is integrated gastric acidity used rather than median gastric pH to demonstrate the acid control observed with ZEGERID?

Integrated gastric acidity is calculated as the cumulative time-weighted average of the gastric acid concentration. Integrated gastric acidity is sensitive to the change from baseline for gastric acidity, whereas median gastric pH has low sensitivity in detecting change (ie, drug induced) from baseline.

Can ZEGERID be administered via nasogastric or orogastric tube or syringe?

Yes. If ZEGERID is to be administered through a nasogastric or orogastric tube, the suspension should be constituted with approximately 20 mL of water. DO NOT USE OTHER LIQUIDS OR FOOD. Stir well and administer immediately. An appropriately-sized syringe should be used to instill the suspension in the tube. The suspension should be washed through the tube with 20mL of water. For patients receiving continuous NG/OG tube feeding, enteral feeding should be suspended approximately 3 hours before and 1 hour after administration of ZEGERID.¹

How is ZEGERID packaged?

ZEGERID Powder for Oral Suspension is supplied as unit-dose packets containing an Immediate-Release formulation of omeprazole.

Is ZEGERID available over the counter (OTC)?

No, ZEGERID is available only by prescription.

How can I obtain more in-depth medical information about ZEGERID?

If you are a healthcare professional call 1-888-778-0887, or to submit a Medical Information Request, please click here.

back to top