Indicated for: gastroesophageal reflux; acid dyspepsia
Route of administration: oral
Substance: sodium alginate + sodium hydrogen carbonate + calcium carbonate (alginate anti-reflux agent + antacid)
ATC: A02BX13 (Alimentary tract and metabolism | Drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (gord) | Other drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (gord))
Sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate are combined to relieve heartburn, acid reflux, acid regurgitation and indigestion. Sodium alginate forms a protective raft on top of the stomach contents, while sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate help neutralise acid, reducing burning and discomfort after meals.
The medicine is usually taken after meals and at bedtime, as an oral suspension or chewable tablets, according to the leaflet or your healthcare professional’s advice. Do not exceed the daily dose. When possible, leave about two hours between this product and other medicines, because antacids can affect the absorption of some treatments.
Side effects are usually mild and may include bloating, belching, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea. Ask for medical advice if symptoms persist, worsen, return often, or are linked with weight loss, vomiting blood, black stools, difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, or chest pain that could be mistaken for heartburn.
Use this medicine with caution if you have kidney disease, follow a strict low-sodium diet, have high calcium levels, kidney stones, or heart failure. During pregnancy it is sometimes used, but advice from a doctor or pharmacist is recommended. Smaller meals, avoiding lying down soon after eating, and limiting alcohol may also reduce reflux.