I was wondering if you could comment on Zegerid. I understand that it is a PPI that can be given at meal time (not 30-60 min prior to meals) and is supplied as an powder in which you make your own oral suspension - such as mixed in formula. Is this the case? If so - why are Prevacid and Prilosec given. Is it a new med? Is it used in children/infants? Thank you in advance for your time.

Hi, Zegerid is omeprazole (losec) and enough bicarb to keep it from being degraded by the stomach when it is injested. It comes in a capsule or powder for you to mix just before administration. This is basically what we do in the pharmacy for omeprazole (if we made it here) and prevacid. We just add the bicarb to the water and add the drug. It is used in children and infants like you inquired and is relatively new. Prevacid actually comes in a FastTab or SoluTabs but is still in a long acting form when injested. The monograph says that the Zegerid should be given on an empty stomach at least an hour before a meal. If you are wondering why other preparations are given instead of this, it is both a matter of physician preferance and drug efficacy in each individual.
Hope this helps
Graham Ph.C.