HealthNotes

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before a meal) as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are taking the capsule, swallow it whole with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters). Do not use other liquids. Do not open the capsule or sprinkle the contents into food.

If you are using the powder packet, empty the contents into a small cup with 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of water. Do not use any other liquids or foods. Stir well and drink the entire mixture right away. To make sure you take the entire dose, add more water to the cup and drink all of it.

If you are using the suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

If you are giving the powder or suspension through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric or gastric tube), ask your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to properly give it. For patients receiving continuous tube feedings, the tube feeding should be stopped for 3 hours before and 1 hour after giving this medication.

Do not substitute the capsules, the powder packets, or the suspension for each other, unless approved by your doctor, because they contain different amounts of sodium bicarbonate. Also, do not substitute one strength of the same dosage form for another strength (such as taking two 20-milligram capsules instead of one 40-milligram capsule). Doing so may give you too much sodium bicarbonate and increase your risk of side effects (such as swelling of the hands/feet).

If you are also taking sucralfate, take this medication at least 30 minutes before sucralfate.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Continue to take this medication for the prescribed length of treatment even if you are feeling better. If you are self-treating with the over-the-counter product, do not take it for more than 14 days unless directed by your doctor.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. If you are self-treating, tell your doctor if your heartburn lasts after 14 days or if you need to use this medication more than once every 4 months. The risk of side effects goes up over time. Ask your doctor how long you should take this medication. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.