A pharmaceutical composition includes an aqueous solution/suspension of omeprazole or other substituted benzimidazoles and derivatives thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprising a bicarbonate salt of a Group IA metal. A method for treating and/or preventing gastrointestinal conditions by administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition including an aqueous solution/suspension of omeprazole or other substituted benzimidazoles and derivatives thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier including a bicarbonate salt of a Group IA metal wherein the administering step consists of a single dosage form without requiring further administering of the bicarbonate salt of the Group IA metal. A pharmaceutical composition for making a solution/suspension of omeprazole or other substituted benzimidazoles and derivatives thereof includes omeprazole or other substituted benzimidazoles and derivatives thereof and a bicarbonate salt of a Group IA metal in a form for convenient storage whereby when the composition is dissolved in aqueous solution, the resulting solution is suitable for enteral administration.
