Zegerid is the brand name for omeprazole, a medication used to conditions resulting from stomach acid production. According to MedlinePlus, Zegerid, can be used alone or with other medications to treat ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus. As with any medication, Zegerid has the risk of adverse side effects.
Digestive Discomfort
Some individuals experience mild to moderate digestive discomfort when using Zegerid. MedlinePlus recommends contacting a doctor if the symptoms persist. Short-term stomach upset may go away with continued use. eMedTV.com suggests up to 5.2 percent of users will experience stomach pain, 3.7 will experience diarrhea and 1.1 percent will experience constipation.
Headache
Headaches occur in up to 6.9 percent of Zegerid users, states eMedTV.com. Severe or long-lasting headaches aren't considered to be typical and should be discussed with a health care professional. Some users experience fewer headaches after using Zegerid continuously.
Dizziness
Some dizziness can occur with the use of Zegerid. It should only be mild and temporary. Individuals who experience moderate dizziness or lightheadedness should report the issue to a health care professional. Vision blurring or vision changes, general weakness and an irregular heartbeat, may accompany this type of effect, as indicated by eMedTV.com.
Cough
A cough or mild respiratory infection can develop when using Zegerid. Coughing is sometimes a symptom of acid reflux when the stomach contents reach the throat area causing inflammation or pain. MedlinePlus recommends seeking medical care for a persistent or overly bothersome cough.
Tingling or Swelling
Any tingling or swelling should be reported immediately to a health care professional. Swelling is a sign of a serious allergic reaction to Zegerid and many other medications. Typically swelling occurs in the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs, according to MedlinePlus. Burning and tingling can appear in the lips, tongue, hands or feet.
Skin Irritation
Itching or the development of a rash requires medical attention. This can be due to allergy or other adverse reaction to the medication. Hives are a common rash associated with allergy that can appear nearly anywhere on the body. Hives are typically red patches with a definite outline with a lighter pink center. The patch can be slightly raised and will likely itch.
Other Oral Problems
When a severe allergic reaction occurs, the individual's airways may close. This can cause coughing, wheezing, trouble swallowing or a bluish tint to the face or fingertips.
Muscular Effects
Serious muscular effects from taking Zegerid are uncommon, but require medical attention. MedlinePlus describes these effects as spasms, tightening, aching or cramping of various muscles. The body may seize or move in jerky ways that the individual can't control.
Back Pain
Back pain is a potential effect of Zegerid, but should be mild or short-term, states MedlinePlus. If dark urine or a fever appears along with the back pain, the user should seek medical care. Drugs.com warns users to report yellowing of the eyes or the skin as well, as this is a sign of jaundice, a potentially harmful condition that occurs when the body doesn't excrete toxins from the blood in a timely manner. This occurs from liver and kidneys dysfunction, potentially due to the use of Zegerid.
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