Gastracid

Calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, light magnesium carbonate, simethicone.

Each 5 ml contains: Calcium Carbonate 400 mg, Sodium Bicarbonate 150 mg, Light Magnesium carbonate 25 mg, Simethicone 83 mg.

Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Calcium salts neutralize gastric acidity resulting in increased gastric and duodenal bulb pH; they additionally inhibit the proteolytic activity of pepsin if the pH is greater than 4 and increase lower esophageal sphincter tone. The calcium released from calcium carbonate is known to increase peristalsis in the esophagus, pushing the acid into the stomach and provide relief from symptoms of heartburn.
Sodium bicarbonate is an alkalinizing agent that dissociates to provide bicarbonate ion. Bicarbonate in excess of that needed to buffer hydrogen ions causes systemic alkalinization and when taken orally, sodium bicarbonate neutralises stomach acid.
Light Magnesium carbonate reacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form carbon dioxide and magnesium chloride thus neutralizing excess acid in the stomach.
Simethicone is a silicone compound that functions as a non-systemic surfactant, decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the GI tract. This action results in coalescence and dispersion of the gas bubbles allowing their removal from the GI tract as flatulence or belching. Simethicone causes the gas bubbles to accumulate and therefore pass more easily either through the upper GI or lower GI opening.
Pharmacokinetics: The mode of action of the medicinal product is physical and does not depend on absorption into the systemic circulation.

Treatment of symptoms resulting from the reflux of acid, bile and pepsin into the oesophagus such as acid regurgitation, heartburn, indigestion and hyperacidity.

Adults and children 12 years and over: 10ml after meals and at bedtime, up to three times per day.
Children under 12 years: Should be given only on medical advice.
Route of Administration: Oral.

Symptoms are likely to be minor in acute overdose; some abdominal distension may be noticed. Milk-alkali syndrome has occurred in individuals taking large doses of calcium carbonate per day for prolonged periods. In the event of overdosage, symptomatic treatment should be given.

Hypersensitivity to calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, simethicone or to any of the excipients of the product.

Treatment of children younger than 12 years of age is not generally recommended, except on medical advice. If symptoms persist, or treatment is required for more than 7 days continuously, medical advice should be sought. As with other antacid products, taking this product can mask the symptoms of other more serious, underlying medical conditions.

Gastracid Suspension may be used during pregnancy and lactation, but under supervision of a doctor.

This product has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. (See table.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Side effects usually occurs following larger than recommended dosages.

Due to the presence of calcium and carbonates which act as an antacid, a time-interval of 2 hours should be considered between intake of this product and the administration of other medicinal products, especially H2-antihistaminics, tetracyclines, digoxine, fluoroquinolones, iron salts, thyroid hormones, ketoconazole, neuroleptics, thyroxine, penicilamine, betablockers (atenolol, metoprolol, propanolol), glucocorticoid, chloroquine, diphosphonates, and estramustine.

Keep container tightly closed. Store below 30°C. Protect from light.

Antacids, Antireflux Agents & Antiulcerants

A02A - ANTACIDS ; Used in the treatment of acid-related disorders.

NP