Uses of Zegerid

When the body pumps too much acid into the stomach for normal digestion, it can lead to severe discomfort. Individuals who suffer from stomach-acid disorders or related symptoms are in need of treatment better than over-the-counter remedies. Zegerid is a drug that medical professionals often prescribe to treat disorders too intense for simple remedies. It has several uses, and the side effects are relatively minor, while still offering prescription-level relief of symptoms.

Uses

• Zegerid is used to treat acid-related throat and stomach problems such as ulcers, acid reflux, and erosive esophagitis. It can also reduce the risk of stomach bleeding in severely ill patients. By decreasing extra stomach acid, Zegerid helps relieve symptoms such as heartburn, chronic cough, problems swallowing and trouble sleeping. It can also be used to help prevent serious acid damage to the digestive system.

How It's Taken

• Zegerid is generally prescribed orally in capsule form, for use once a day and approximately one hour before meals. It should be taken with at least 8 ounces of water and the powdered capsule contents not mixed directly with food. The medication needs time to build up in the body, so it should be taken regularly at approximately the same time each day.

Who Should Take It

• Zegerid is safe for most individuals with only a few exceptions. Pediatric patients with acid-related disorders are most often not prescribed Zegerid and are instead given over-the-counter antacids. Women who are nursing or are pregnant are not usually prescribed Zegerid due to its higher medicinal level. Patients with diabetes are only prescribed Zegerid in specific cases due to the capsules containing sugars.

Side Effects

• Adverse effects of taking Zegerid include headaches, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Because of high sodium levels, long-term use of the capsules can be harmful for users with restrictions on sodium intake.

Conclusion

• Zegerid offers patients relief from a number of stomach acid-related illnesses. Even when feeling better, the medication should be continued until it is completely gone to ensure proper and full treatment.