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Zegerid vs. Nexium

Are Zegerid and Nexium the Same Thing?

Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) and Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) are used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production.

Both Zegerid and Nexium contain a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). Zegerid also contains an antacid.

Nexium is available over-the-counter (OTC).

Side effects of Zegerid and Nexium that are similar include headache, stomach or abdominal pain, nausea, gas, and diarrhea.

Side effects of Nexium that are different from Zegerid include vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, rash, dizziness, and nervousness.

Both Zegerid and Nexium may interact with clopidogrel, diazepam or similar sedatives, digoxin, methotrexate, rifampin, St. John's wort, tacrolimus, blood thinners, iron-containing medicines (ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, and others),

HIV/AIDS medications, and antifungals.

Zegerid may also interact with bosentan, citalopram, cyclosporine, digitalis, disulfiram, antabuse, rifabutin, rifapentine, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, antibiotics, calcium supplements, diuretics (water pills), and seizure medications.

Nexium may also interact with cilostazol, erlotinib, and mycophenolate mofetil.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Zegerid?

Common side effects of Zegerid include:

    Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Zegerid including:

    • swelling of the hands or feet,
    • symptoms of a low magnesium blood level (such as unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, persistent muscle spasms, seizures), or
    • sudden weight gain.

    What Are Possible Side Effects of Nexium?

    Common side effects of Nexium include:

    • diarrhea,
    • nausea,
    • vomiting,
    • stomach pain,
    • gas,
    • constipation,
    • headaches,
    • drowsiness,
    • dry mouth,
    • rash,
    • dizziness, and
    • nervousness.

    What is Zegerid?

    Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) is a combination of a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) and an antacid used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production. Zegerid may be available in generic form.

    What is Nexium?

    Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that blocks acid production in the stomach and is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

     

    What Drugs Interact With Zegerid?

    Zegerid may interact with bosentan, citalopram, clopidogrel, cyclosporine, diazepam or similar sedatives, digoxin, digitalis, disulfiram, Antabuse, methotrexate, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, St. John's wort, tacrolimus, antibiotics, antifungals, blood thinners, calcium supplements or iron supplements (including ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfonate), diuretics (water pills), HIV medicines, or seizure medications. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Zegerid; it is unknown if Zegerid will harm a fetus. Zegerid can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Breastfeeding while using Zegerid is not recommended.

    What Drugs Interact With Nexium?

    Drug interactions include Valium (diazepam), Nizoral (ketoconazole), Lanoxin (digoxin), Invirase (saquinavir), Viracept (nelfinavir), Reyataz (atazanavir), Plavix (clopidogrel), and Pletal (cilostazol). Nexium should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

     

    How Should Zegerid Be Taken?

    Dose and duration of treatment with Zegerid depends on the condition being treated. For ulcers, GERD, erosive esophagitis and eradication of H. pylori the usual recommended dose for adults is 20-40 mg daily. Follow instructions from your doctor.

    How Should Nexium Be Taken?

    Nexium dosage depends on the condition being treated.