Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Do not stop taking this medicine if your doctor told you to take it for a specific amount of time, even if you feel better.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide or a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

This medicine contains sodium (salt). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are on a low-sodium (low-salt) diet or if you have or are at risk for congestive heart failure.

Tell your doctor if you are taking calcium supplements on a regular basis.

Both 20 and 40 milligrams oral suspension packets or capsules contain the same amount of sodium bicarbonate. Do not substitute two 20 milligrams (mg) oral suspension packets or capsules with one 40 mg oral suspension packets or capsules. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal. For patients receiving continuous feeding through a tube, feeding should be temporarily stopped about 3 hours before and 1 hour after administration of Konvomep™ oral suspension or Zegerid® powder for oral suspension.

Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not take it with other liquids. Do not break, crush, or chew it. Do not open the capsule and sprinkle the contents into food.

To use the Konvomep™ oral suspension: Shake the bottle before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If you are using the Konvomep™ oral suspension with a nasogastric or orogastric tube:

  • Shake well and draw up 20 mL of the medicine into a catheter-tipped or oral syringe.
  • Give the medicine through the nasogastric or orogastric tube into the stomach right away.
  • Refill the syringe with 20 mL of water.
  • Flush any remaining contents from the nasogastric or orogastric tube into the stomach.

To use the Zegerid® powder for oral suspension:

  • Empty packet of powder into a small cup containing 1 to 2 tablespoons of water.
  • Do not use other liquids or foods.
  • Stir well and drink immediately.
  • Refill cup with water and drink.

If you are using the Zegerid® powder for oral suspension with a nasogastric or orogastric tube:

  • Mix the packet of powder with approximately 20 mL of water.
  • Stir well and draw up into appropriately sized syringe.
  • Give the medicine through the nasogastric or orogastric tube into the stomach right away.
  • Refill the syringe with an equal amount of water.
  • Shake and flush any remaining contents from the nasogastric or orogastric tube into the stomach.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage forms (capsules or powder for suspension):
    • To treat duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and GERD:
      • Adults—20 milligrams (mg) once a day at least 1 hour before a meal. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • To treat gastric ulcers:
      • Adults—40 milligrams (mg) once a day at least 1 hour before a meal. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (powder for suspension):
    • To prevent upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding in seriously ill patients:
      • Adults—The first day: 40 milligrams (mg) for the first dose, then after 6 to 8 hours, a second 40 mg dose. After the first day: 40 mg once a day for up to 14 days.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • To treat gastric ulcers:
      • Adults—40 milligrams (mg) once a day for 4 to 8 weeks.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store the Konvomep™ oral suspension in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.

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