Acidex

Acidex Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

The mode of action of the product is physical and does not depend on absorption into the systemic circulation. On ingestion, the product reacts rapidly with gastric acid to form a raft of Alginic acid gel having a near-neutral pH and which floats on the stomach contents quickly and effectively impeding gastro-esophageal reflux, for up to 4 hours. In severe cases, the raft itself may be refluxed into the esophagus in preference to the stomach contents and exert a demulcent effect.

Trade Name Acidex
Generic Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate
Type
Therapeutic Class Antacids
Manufacturer Pinewood Healthcare
Available Country United Kingdom
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Acidex
Acidex

How Acidex works

Calcium carbonate is a basic inorganic salt that acts by neutralizing hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions. It also inhibits the action of pepsin by increasing the pH and via adsorption. Cytoprotective effects may occur through increases in bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) and prostaglandins. Neutralization of hydrochloric acid results in the formation of calcium chloride, carbon dioxide and water. Approximately 90% of calcium chloride is converted to insoluble calcium salts (e.g. calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate).

Sodium bicarbonate is a systemic alkalizer, which increases plasma bicarbonate, buffers excess hydrogen ion concentration, and raises blood pH, thereby reversing the clinical manifestations of acidosis. It is also a urinary alkalizer, increasing the excretion of free bicarbonate ions in the urine, thus effectively raising the urinary pH. By maintaining an alkaline urine, the actual dissolution of uric acid stones may be accomplished. Sodium bicarbonate acts as an antacid and reacts chemically to neutralize or buffer existing quantities of stomach acid but has no direct effect on its output. This action results in increased pH value of stomach contents, thus providing relief of hyperacidity symptoms. [PharmGKB]

Dosage

Acidex dosage

For oral administration:

Adult and children over 12 years
:10-20 mL after meals and at bedtime, up to four times a day.

Children 6 to 12 years: 5-10 mL after meals and at bedtime, up to four times a day.

Children under 6 years: Not recommended.

Elderly: No dosage modification is required for this age group.

Side Effects

In addition to the desired effect of the drug, some side effects may appear such as: constipation, flatulence, stomach cramp or belching. In these cases consult a physician. If too big dose has been taken, there might appear a sensation of swelling. In this case, it is advisable to consult a physician.

Precaution

If symptoms do not improve after 7 days, the clinical situation should be reviewed. Each 10 mL dose has a Sodium content of 141 mg (6.2 mmoL). This should be taken into account when a highly restricted salt diet is recommended, e.g. in some cases of congestive cardiac failure and renal impairment. Each 10 mL dose contains 160 mg (1.6 mmoL) of Calcium Carbonate. Care needs to be taken in treating patients with hypercalcaemia, nephrocalcinosis and recurrent calcium containing renal calculi.

Interaction

A time-interval of 2 hours should be considered between this drug intake and the administration of other medicinal products, especially Tetracyclines, Digoxine, Fluoroquinolone, Iron salt, Ketoconazole, Neuroleptics, Thyroid Hormones, Penicillamine, beta-blockers (Atenolol, Metoprolol, Propranolol), Glucocorticoid, Chloroquine and Biphosphonates (diphosphonates) and Estramustine.

Volume of Distribution

Calcium is rapidly distributed taken up by skeletal tissues following absorption and distribution into extracellular fluids. Bone contains 99% of the body's calcium and the remaining 1% is approximately equally distributed between intracellular and extracellular fluids.

Elimination Route

Maximal absorption occurs at doses of 500 mg or less taken with food. Oral bioavailability depends on intestinal pH, the presence of food and dosage.

Elimination Route

Excreted mainly in the feces. The majority of renally filtered calcium is reabsorbed in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle and the proximal and distal convoluted tubules. Also secreted by sweat glands.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy: Clinical studies in more than 500 pregnant women, as well as a large amount of data from post-marketing experience, indicate no malformative nor feto/neonatal toxicity of the active ingredients. This drug can be used during pregnancy, if clinically needed.

Breastfeeding: No effects of the active substances have been shown in breastfed newborns/infants of treated mothers. This drug can be used during breastfeeding.

Fertility: Pre-clinical investigations have revealed Alginate has no negative effect on parental or offspring fertility or reproduction. Clinical data do not suggest that this drug has an effect on human fertility.

Contraindication

Acidex is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to the active ingredients or to any of the excipients.

Special Warning

USE IN CHILDREN: Calcium carbonate has been extensively studied in children and infants with chronic renal failure and is both safe and effective.

USE IN ELDERLY: In case of elderly patients with renal failure when calcium carbonate is taken constipation may be troublesome one for this group. For this reason, monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate is of course indicated for elderly patients.

Acute Overdose

In the event of over dosage symptomatic treatment should be given. The patient may notice abdominal distension.

Storage Condition

Store in a cool (below 30°C) and dry place, away from light. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Innovators Monograph

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*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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