How does it work?

This medicine contains a number of active ingredients designed to protect the lining of the oesophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach) from acid produced in the stomach. In reflux disease, the stomach's acidic contents are regurgitated or "refluxed" into the oesophagus. This causes symptoms such as heartburn and can result in inflammation and ulceration of the oesophagus (oesophagitis). Carbenoxolone acts by increasing the production of mucus from the lining of the stomach and oesophagus. This mucus provides a protective barrier against the stomach acid, preventing further damage to the oesophagus and stomach lining and helping healing. Alginic acid forms a clinging, viscous foam ("raft") which floats on the surface of the stomach contents. This prevents the acidic contents of the stomach rising up into the oesophagus. In severe cases the "raft" may be forced up into the oesophagus, enabling it to protect the lining of the oesophagus from the stomach acid. This allows healing to take place and prevents further inflammation. This medicine also contains the antacids aluminium hydroxide and potassium bicarbonate. These neutralise the acid in the stomach juices. This makes damage to the oesophagus from reflux less likely and also relieves the symptoms of ulcers or heartburn.

What is it used for?

Relief of heartburn, flatulence and other symptoms associated with reflux oesophagitis.

Treatment of oesophageal inflammation, erosions and ulcers due to hiatus hernia or other conditions causing gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Warning!

Regular monitoring of weight, blood pressure and fluid / salt (electrolyte) balance are advised during treatment.

Use with caution in

Excess retention of water in the body tissues (fluid retention)

Heart disease

High blood pressure

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Other people with a tendency to sodium and water retention, potassium loss and high blood pressure

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Children

Heart failure

Kidney failure

Liver failure

Low blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia)

People over the age of 75 years

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established, therefore it should not be used by pregnant women. Consult your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

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