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ZEGERID®
(omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate)

Rx only
Capsules
Powder for Oral Suspension

DESCRIPTION

ZEGERID® (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) is a combination of omeprazole, a proton-pump inhibitor, and sodium bicarbonate, an antacid. Omeprazole is a substituted benzimidazole, 5-methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole, a racemic mixture of two enantiomers that inhibits gastric acid secretion. Its empirical formula is C17H19N3O3S, with a molecular weight of 345.42. The structural formula is:

Omeprazole is a white to off-white crystalline powder which melts with decomposition at about 155°C. It is a weak base, freely soluble in ethanol and methanol, and slightly soluble in acetone and isopropanol and very slightly soluble in water. The stability of omeprazole is a function of pH; it is rapidly degraded in acid media, but has acceptable stability under alkaline conditions.

ZEGERID is supplied as immediate-release capsules and unit-dose packets as powder for oral suspension. Each capsule contains either 40 mg or 20 mg of omeprazole and 1100 mg of sodium bicarbonate with the following excipients: croscarmellose sodium and magnesium stearate. Packets of powder for oral suspension contain either 40 mg or 20 mg of omeprazole and 1680 mg of sodium bicarbonate with the following excipients: xylitol, sucrose, sucralose, xanthan gum, and flavorings.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Omeprazole is acid labile and thus rapidly degraded by gastric acid. ZEGERID Capsules and Powder for Oral Suspension are immediate-release formulations that contain sodium bicarbonate which raises the gastric pH and thus protects omeprazole from acid degradation.

Pharmacokinetics:

Special Populations

Pharmacodynamics:

Clinical Studies

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Duodenal Ulcer

ZEGERID is indicated for short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer. Most patients heal within four weeks. Some patients may require an additional four weeks of therapy.

Gastric Ulcer

ZEGERID is indicated for short-term treatment (4-8 weeks) of active benign gastric ulcer. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies, Gastric Ulcer.)

Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Maintenance of Healing of Erosive Esophagitis

ZEGERID is indicated to maintain healing of erosive esophagitis. Controlled studies do not extend beyond 12 months.

Reduction of Risk of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Critically Ill Patients

ZEGERID Powder for Oral Suspension 40 mg/1680 mg is indicated for the reduction of risk of upper GI bleeding in critically ill patients.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

ZEGERID is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any components of the formulation.

PRECAUTIONS

General

Symptomatic response to therapy with omeprazole 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.

Each ZEGERID Capsule contains 1100 mg (13 mEq) of sodium bicarbonate. The total span of sodium in each capsule is 303 mg.

Each packet of ZEGERID Powder for Oral Suspension contains 1680 mg (20 mEq) of sodium bicarbonate (equivalent to 460 mg of Na+).

The sodium span of ZEGERID products should be taken into consideration when administering to patients on a sodium restricted diet.

Sodium bicarbonate is contraindicated in patients with metabolic alkalosis and hypocalcemia. Sodium bicarbonate should be used with caution in patients with Bartter's syndrome, hypokalemia, respiratory alkalosis, and problems with acid-base balance. Long-term administration of bicarbonate with calcium or milk can cause milk-alkali syndrome.

Information for Patients

ZEGERID should be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour prior to a meal. ZEGERID is available either as 40 mg or 20 mg capsules with 1100 mg sodium bicarbonate. ZEGERID is also available either as 40 mg or 20 mg single-dose packets of powder for oral suspension with 1680 mg sodium bicarbonate.

Directions for Use:

Capsules: Swallow intact capsule with water. DO NOT USE OTHER LIQUIDS. DO NOT OPEN CAPSULE AND SPRINKLE CONTENTS INTO FOOD.

Powder for Oral Suspension: Empty packet spans 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.

Drug Interactions

Omeprazole can prolong the elimination of diazepam, warfarin and phenytoin, drugs that are metabolized by oxidation in the liver. There have been reports of increased INR and prothrombin time in patients receiving proton pump inhibitors, including omeprazole, and warfarin concomitantly. Increases in INR and prothrombin time may lead to abnormal bleeding and even death. Patients treated with proton pump inhibitors and warfarin may need to be monitored for increases in INR and prothrombin time. Although in normal subjects no interaction with theophylline or propranolol was found, there have been clinical reports of interaction with other drugs metabolized via the cytochrome P-450 system (eg, cyclosporine, disulfiram, benzodiazepines). Patients should be monitored to determine if it is necessary to adjust the dosage of these drugs when taken concomitantly with ZEGERID.

Because of its profound and long-lasting inhibition of gastric acid secretion, it is theoretically possible that omeprazole may interfere with absorption of drugs where gastric pH is an important determinant of their bioavailability (eg, ketoconazole, ampicillin esters, and iron salts). In the clinical efficacy trials, antacids were used concomitantly with the administration of omeprazole.

Concomitant administration of omeprazole and atazanavir has been reported to reduce the plasma levels of atazanavir.

Concomitant administration of omeprazole and tacrolimus may increase the serum levels of tacrolimus.

Co-administration of omeprazole and clarithromycin have resulted in increases of plasma levels of omeprazole, clarithromycin, and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin (see also CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics).

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

In two 24-month carcinogenicity studies in rats, omeprazole at daily doses of 1.7, 3.4, 13.8, 44.0 and 140.8 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.5 to 28.5 times the human dose of 40 mg/day, based on body surface area) produced gastric ECL cell carcinoids in a dose-related manner in both male and female rats; the incidence of this effect was markedly higher in female rats, which had higher blood levels of omeprazole. Gastric carcinoids seldom occur in the untreated rat. In addition, ECL cell hyperplasia was present in all treated groups of both sexes. In one of these studies, female rats were treated with 13.8 mg omeprazole/kg/day (approximately 2.8 times the human dose of 40 mg/day, based on body surface area) for one year, then followed for an additional year without the drug. No carcinoids were seen in these rats. An increased incidence of treatment-related ECL cell hyperplasia was observed at the end of one year (94% treated vs 10% controls). By the second year the difference between treated and control rats was much smaller (46% vs 26%) but still showed more hyperplasia in the treated group. Gastric adenocarcinoma was seen in one rat (2%). No similar tumor was seen in male or female rats treated for two years. For this strain of rat no similar tumor has been noted historically, but a finding involving only one tumor is difficult to interpret. In a 52-week toxicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats, brain astrocytomas were found in a small number of males that received omeprazole at dose levels of 0.4, 2, and 16 mg/kg/day (about 0.1 to 3.3 times the human dose of 40 mg/day, based on body surface area). No astrocytomas were observed in female rats in this study. In a 2-year carcinogenicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats, no astrocytomas were found in males and females at the high dose of 140.8 mg/kg/day (about 28.5 times the human dose of 40 mg/day, based on body surface area). A 78-week mouse carcinogenicity study of omeprazole did not show increased tumor occurrence, but the study was not conclusive. A 26-week p53 (+/-) transgenic mouse carcinogenicity study was not positive. Omeprazole was positive for clastogenic effects in an in vitro human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration assay, in one of two in vivo mouse micronucleus tests, and in an in vivo bone marrow cell chromosomal aberration assay. Omeprazole was negative in the in vitro Ames Test, an in vitro mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation assay and an in vivo rat liver DNA damage assay.

Omeprazole at oral doses up to 138 mg/kg/day (about 28 times the human dose of 40 mg/day, based on body surface area) was found to have no effect on the fertility and general reproductive performance in rats.

Pregnancy

Nursing Mothers

Omeprazole concentrations have been measured in breast milk of a woman following oral administration of 20 mg. The peak concentration of omeprazole in breast milk was less than 7% of the peak serum concentration. The concentration will correspond to 0.004 mg of omeprazole in 200 mL of milk. Because omeprazole is excreted in human milk, because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from omeprazole, and because of the potential for tumorigenicity shown for omeprazole in rat carcinogenicity studies, a decision should be taken to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. In addition, sodium bicarbonate should be used with caution in nursing mothers.

Pediatric Use

Clinical studies have been conducted evaluating delayed-release omeprazole in pediatric patients. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pediatric patients with ZEGERID.

Geriatric Use

Omeprazole was administered to over 2000 elderly individuals (≥ 65 years of age) in clinical trials in the U.S. and Europe. There were no differences in safety and effectiveness between the elderly and younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in response between the elderly and younger subjects, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Pharmacokinetic studies with buffered omeprazole have shown the elimination rate was somewhat decreased in the elderly and bioavailability was increased. The plasma clearance of omeprazole was 250 mL/min (about half that of young subjects). The plasma half-life averaged one hour, about the same as that in nonelderly, healthy subjects taking ZEGERID. However, no dosage adjustment is necessary in the elderly. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY.)

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Omeprazole was generally well tolerated during domestic and international clinical trials in 3096 patients.

In the U.S. clinical trial population of 465 patients, the adverse experiences summarized in Table 11 were reported to occur in 1% or more of patients on therapy with omeprazole. Numbers in parentheses indicate percentages of the adverse experiences considered by investigators as possibly, probably or definitely related to the drug.

Table 11: Adverse Experiences Occurring In 1% or More of Patients on Omeprazole Therapy
Omeprazole
(n = 465)
Placebo
(n = 64)
Ranitidine
(n = 195)
Headache6.9 (2.4)6.37.7 (2.6)
Diarrhea3.0 (1.9)3.1 (1.6)2.1 (0.5)
Abdominal Pain2.4 (0.4)3.12.1
Nausea2.2 (0.9)3.14.1 (0.5)
URI1.91.62.6
Dizziness1.5 (0.6)0.02.6 (1.0)
Vomiting1.5 (0.4)4.71.5 (0.5)
Rash1.5 (1.1)0.00.0
Constipation1.1 (0.9)0.00.0
Cough1.10.01.5
Asthenia1.1 (0.2)1.6 (1.6)1.5 (1.0)
Back Pain1.10.00.5

Table 12 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in 1% or more of omeprazole-treated patients from international double-blind, and open-label clinical trials in which 2,631 patients and subjects received omeprazole.

Table 12: Incidence of Adverse Experiences ≥ 1%; Causal Relationship not Assessed
Omeprazole
(n = 2631)
Placebo
(n = 120)
Body as a Whole, site unspecified
   Abdominal pain5.23.3
   Asthenia1.30.8
Digestive System
   Constipation1.50.8
   Diarrhea3.72.5
   Flatulence2.75.8
   Nausea4.06.7
   Vomiting3.210.0
   Acid regurgitation1.93.3
Nervous System/Psychiatric
   Headache2.92.5

A controlled clinical trial was conducted in 359 critically ill patients, comparing ZEGERID 40  mg/1680 mg suspension once daily to I.V. cimetidine 1200 mg/day for up to 14 days. The incidence and total number of AEs experienced by ≥ 3% of patients in either group are presented in Table 13 by body system and preferred term.

Table 13: Number (%) of Critically Ill Patients with Frequently Occurring (≥ 3%) Adverse Events by Body System and Preferred Term

* Clinically significant UGI bleeding was considered an SAE but it is not included in this table.

ZEGERID®
(N=178)
Cimetidine
(N=181)
MedDRA
Body System
    Preferred Term
All AEs
n  (%)
All AEs
n  (%)
BLOOD AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM DISORDERS
   Anaemia NOS14 (7.9)14 (7.7)
   Anaemia NOS Aggravated4 (2.2)7 (3.9)
   Thrombocytopenia18 (10.1)11 (6.1)
CARDIAC DISORDERS
   Atrial Fibrillation11 (6.2)7 (3.9)
   Bradycardia NOS7 (3.9)5 (2.8)
   Supraventricular Tachycardia6 (3.4)2 (1.1)
   Tachycardia NOS6 (3.4)6 (3.3)
   Ventricular Tachycardia8 (4.5)6 (3.3)
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS *
   Constipation8 (4.5)8 (4.4)
   Diarrhoea NOS7 (3.9)15 (8.3)
   Gastric Hypomotility3 (1.7)6 (3.3)
GENERAL DISORDERS AND ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS
   Hyperpyrexia8 (4.5)3 (1.7)
   Oedema NOS5 (2.8)11 (6.1)
   Pyrexia36 (20.2)29 (16.0)
INFECTIONS AND INFESTATIONS
   Candidal Infection NOS3 (1.7)7 (3.9)
   Oral Candidiasis7 (3.9)1 (0.6)
   Sepsis NOS9 (5.1)9 (5.0)
   Urinary Tract Infection NOS4 (2.2)6 (3.3)
INVESTIGATIONS
   Liver Function Tests NOS Abnormal3 (1.7)6 (3.3)
METABOLISM AND NUTRITION DISORDERS
   Fluid Overload9 (5.1)14 (7.7)
   Hyperglycaemia NOS19 (10.7)21 (11.6)
   Hyperkalaemia4 (2.2)6 (3.3)
   Hypernatraemia3 (1.7)9 (5.0)
   Hypocalcaemia11 (6.2)10 (5.5)
   Hypoglycaemia NOS6 (3.4)8 (4.4)
   Hypokalaemia22 (12.4)24 (13.3)
   Hypomagnesaemia18 (10.1)18 (9.9)
   Hyponatraemia7 (3.9)5 (2.8)
   Hypophosphataemia11 (6.2)7 (3.9)
PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
   Agitation6 (3.4)16 (8.8)
RESPIRATORY, THORACIC AND MEDIASTINAL DISORDERS
   Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome6 (3.4)7 (3.9)
   Nosocomial Pneumonia20 (11.2)17 (9.4)
   Pneumothorax NOS1 (0.6)8 (4.4)
   Respiratory Failure3 (1.7)6 (3.3)
SKIN AND SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE DISORDERS
   Decubitus Ulcer6 (3.4)5 (2.8)
   Rash NOS10 (5.6)11 (6.1)
VASCULAR DISORDERS
   Hypertension NOS14 (7.9)6 (3.3)
   Hypotension NOS17 (9.6)12 (6.6)

Additional adverse experiences occurring in < 1% of patients or subjects in domestic and/or international trials conducted with omeprazole, or occurring since the drug was marketed, are shown below within each body system. In many instances, the relationship to omeprazole was unclear.

OVERDOSAGE

Reports have been received of overdosage with omeprazole in humans. Doses ranged up to 2400 mg (120 times the usual recommended clinical dose). Manifestations were variable, but included confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, flushing, headache, dry mouth, and other adverse reactions similar to those seen in normal clinical experience. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS.) Symptoms were transient, and no serious clinical outcome has been reported when omeprazole was taken alone. No specific antidote for omeprazole overdosage is known. Omeprazole is extensively protein bound and is, therefore, not readily dialyzable. In the event of overdosage, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.

As with the management of any overdose, the possibility of multiple drug ingestion should be considered. For current information on treatment of any drug overdose, a certified Regional Poison Control Center should be contacted. Telephone numbers are uled in the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) or local telephone book.

Single oral doses of omeprazole at 1350, 1339, and 1200 mg/kg were lethal to mice, rats, and dogs, respectively. Animals given these doses showed sedation, ptosis, tremors, convulsions, and decreased activity, body temperature, and respiratory rate and increased depth of respiration.

In addition, a sodium bicarbonate overdose may cause hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypernatremia, and seizures.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

ZEGERID (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) is available as a capsule and as a powder for oral suspension in 20 mg and 40 mg strengths for adult use. Directions for use for each indication are summarized in Table 14.

Since both the 20 mg and 40 mg oral suspension packets contain the same amount of sodium bicarbonate (1680 mg), two packets of 20 mg are not equivalent to one packet of ZEGERID 40 mg; therefore, two 20 mg packets of ZEGERID should not be substituted for one packet of ZEGERID 40 mg.

Since both the 20 mg and 40 mg capsules contain the same amount of sodium bicarbonate (1100 mg), two capsules of 20 mg are not equivalent to one capsule of ZEGERID 40 mg; therefore, two 20 mg capsules of ZEGERID should not be substituted for one capsule of ZEGERID 40 mg.

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

For patients receiving continuous NG/OG tube feeding, enteral feeding should be suspended approximately 3 hours before and 1 hour after administration of ZEGERID Powder for Oral Suspension.

Table 14: Recommended Doses of ZEGERID by Indication for Adults 18 Years and Older
IndicationRecommended DoseFrequency

* Most patients heal within 4 weeks. Some patients may require an additional 4 weeks of therapy.

** For additional information, see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies section

+ For additional information, see INDICATIONS AND USAGE section

Short-Term Treatment of Active Duodenal Ulcer20 mgOnce daily for 4 weeks*,+
Benign Gastric Ulcer40 mgOnce daily for 4-8 weeks **,+
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
   Symptomatic GERD
   (with no esophageal erosions)
20 mgOnce daily for up to 4 weeks+
   Erosive Esophagitis20 mgOnce daily for 4-8 weeks+
Maintenance of Healing of Erosive Esophagitis20 mgOnce daily**
Reduction of Risk of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Critically Ill Patients
(40 mg oral suspension only)
40 mg
40 mg initially followed by 40 mg 6-8 hours later and 40 mg daily thereafter for 14 days**

Administration of Capsules

ZEGERID Capsules should be swallowed intact with water. DO NOT USE OTHER LIQUIDS. DO NOT OPEN CAPSULE AND SPRINKLE CONTENTS INTO FOOD.

Preparation and Administration of Suspension

Directions for use: Empty packet spans 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.

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 FOODS. 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 20 mL of water.

HOW SUPPLIED

ZEGERID 20-mg Capsules: Each opaque, hard gelatin, colored light blue and white capsule, imprinted with the Santarus logo and “20”, contains 20 mg omeprazole and 1100 mg sodium bicarbonate.

NDC 68012-102-30 Bottles of 30 capsules

ZEGERID 40-mg Capsules: Each opaque, hard gelatin, colored dark blue and white capsule, imprinted with the Santarus logo and “40”, contains 40 mg omeprazole and 1100 mg sodium bicarbonate.

NDC 68012-104-30 Bottles of 30 capsules

ZEGERID Powder for Oral Suspension is a white, flavored powder packaged in unit-dose packets. Each packet contains either 20 mg or 40 mg omeprazole and 1680 mg sodium bicarbonate.

NDC 68012-052-30 Cartons of 30: 20-mg unit-dose packets

NDC 68012-054-30 Cartons of 30: 40-mg unit-dose packets

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15 - 30°C (59 - 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Rx Only

REFERENCES

  • Friedman JM and Polifka JE. Omeprazole. In: Teratogenic Effects of Drugs. A Resource for Clinicians (TERIS). 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press 2000; p. 516.
  • Kallen BAJ. Use of omeprazole during pregnancy – no hazard demonstrated in 955 infants exposed during pregnancy. Eur Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2001; 96(1):63-8.
  • Ruigómez A, Rodriguez LUG, Cattaruzzi C, et al. Use of cimetidine, omeprazole, and ranitidine in pregnant women and pregnancy outcomes. Am J Epidemiol 1999; 150:476-81.
  • Lalkin A, Loebstein, Addis A, et al. The safety of omeprazole during pregnancy: a multicenter prospective controlled study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998; 179:727-30.

ZEGERID® Capsules are manufactured for Santarus, Inc., San Diego, CA 92130

by OSG Norwich Pharmaceuticals, Inc., North Norwich, NY 13814.

ZEGERID® Powder for Oral Suspension is manufactured for Santarus, Inc.

by Patheon Inc., Whitby, Ontario L1N 5Z5, Canada.

For more information call 1-888-778-0887

Revised: April 2007

ZEGERID® is a registered trademark of Santarus, Inc.

This product is covered by one or more of the following: U.S. Patent Nos. 5,840,737; 6,489,346; 6,699,885; 6,780,882; and 6,645,988; and additional patents pending.

© 2007 Santarus, Inc.

S0015C

Information for Patients

ZEGERID should be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour prior to a meal. ZEGERID is available either as 40 mg or 20 mg capsules with 1100 mg sodium bicarbonate. ZEGERID is also available either as 40 mg or 20 mg single-dose packets of powder for oral suspension with 1680 mg sodium bicarbonate.

Directions for Use:

Capsules: Swallow intact capsule with water. DO NOT USE OTHER LIQUIDS. DO NOT OPEN CAPSULE AND SPRINKLE CONTENTS INTO FOOD.

Powder for Oral Suspension: Empty packet spans 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.

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