Gaviscon (Calcium carbonate_Sodium alignate_sodium bicarbonate)

Uses

Adult: One Calcium Carbonate 500 tablet or as directed by the physician. For the prevention of osteoporosis, 1-3 Calcium Carbonate 500 tablet is recommended generally as a dietary supplement . Doses for children is half of those for adults. A large dose should not be taken without physician\'s advice.

Adolescent: One to two Calcium Carbonate tablet daily.

Children: One Calcium Carbonate tablet daily.

Management of acidosis in cardiac arrest.

Management of metabolic acidosis in:

• Severe renal disease
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Circulatory insufficiency from shock or dehydration
• Severe primary lactic acidosis

Alkalinization of urine.

Gaviscon (Calcium carbonate_Sodium alignate_sodium bicarbonate) is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acid Reflux, Acid indigestion, Bloating, Calcium Deficiency, Calcium Metabolism Disorders, Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiencies, Colic, Dyspepsia, Gastric Ulcer, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn, Hemorrhoids, Hot Flushes, Hyperacidity, Hyperphosphataemia, Hypovitaminosis D, Low Bone Density, Osteodystrophy, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Postoperative Gas, Proctitis, Vertebral Fractures, Calcium loss, Gastrointestinal ulceration, Dietary supplementationAcid indigestion, Barbiturate intoxication, Breast Cancer, Constipation, Dental Decay, Duodenal Ulcer, Dyspepsia, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gingival Bleeding, Heartburn, Helicobacter Infections, Hyperkalemia, Ischaemia, Metabolic Acidosis, Myocardial Infarction, Plaque, Dental, Pruritis of the skin, Skin Irritation, Upset stomach, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, Abdominal bloating, Benign, active Gastric Ulcer, Methyl alcohol poisoning, Prophylaxis of Contrast-induced nephropathy, Salicylate poisoning, Severe Diarrhea, Swelling of the gums, Bowel preparation therapy

How Gaviscon (Calcium carbonate_Sodium alignate_sodium bicarbonate) 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

Gaviscon (Calcium carbonate_Sodium alignate_sodium bicarbonate) dosage

Calcium Carbonate is always used orally and when used as an antacid the recommended doses for adults are equivalent to 540-2000 mg Calcium Carbonate per day, doses for children being half of those for adults. As a dietary supplement, such as for the prevention of osteoporosis, 1250-3750 mg Calcium Carbonate (500-1500 mg calcium) daily is recommended in general, but again this will need to be tailored to the individual patient depending on any specific disease such as Calcium deficiency, malabsorption or parathyroid function. In pregnancy and lactation therecommended daily dose of calcium is 1200-1500 mg. In chronic renal failure the doses used vary from 2.5 - 9.0 gm Calcium Carbonate per day and need to be adjusted according to the individual patient. To maximize effective phosphate binding in this context the Calcium Carbonate should be given with meals.

Oral: The usual dose is 300 mg to 2 grams, 1 to 4 times daily.

Intravenous (Severe metabolic acidosis):

• Adult: By slow inj of a hypertonic solution of up to 8.4% (1000 mmol/L), or by continuous infusion of a weaker solution, usually 1.26% (150 mmol/L). For correction of acidosis during advanced cardiac life support procedures, 50 ml of an 8.4% solution may be given.
• Elderly: Dosage adjustments may be required.

Side Effects

In rare cases, flatulence, diarrhoea or constipation.

This medication is generally well tolerated. However, high doses may cause headache, nausea or irritability. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: muscle weakness, slow reflexes, confusion, swelling of the feet or ankles, black tar-like stools, coffee-ground vomit. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precaution

In the presence of mild hypercalciuria, excretion levels must be carefully monitored and where necessary the dose of calcium carbonate should be reduced or treatment should be stopped. Patients with a history of stone formation should also be recommended to increase their fluid intake. High dosage of vitamin D should be avoided during Calcium therapy unless specifically indicated.

Pre-existing heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, any allergies.

Interaction

Oral calcium can reduce internal absorption of tetracycline and fluoride prepa-rations and an interval of at least 3 hours should therefore be allowed between ingestion of these medications. Vitamin D increases internal absorption of calcium. The intestinal uptake of calcium may be reduced by concomitant ingestion of certain foods (e.g. spinach, milk and milk products).

This medication has the potential to interact with many medications. Should not take any other medication within 1 to 2 hours of taking an antacid. Potentially hazardous interactions with Corticosteroids and Corticotropin, Alkalis, Calcium, Diuretics and Potassium.

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

Pregnant women : Calcium containing drugs are used widely in pregnancy by way of calcium supplement or antacid therapy. No relationship between malformation in general and calcium exposure has been noted.

Lactating mother : There is no contraindication to the use of calcium carbonate in lactating mother.

Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to the Calcium Carbonate or any inactive ingredient of the medication. Hypercalcemia (e.g. in hyperparathyroidism, overdosage of vitamin D, demineralizing tumours such as plasmacytomas and bone metastases), severe hypercalcuria, several renal insufficiency.

This drug is contraindicated in hypoventilatory states, chloride depletion owing to continuous gastric fluid loss, metabolic and/or respiratory alkalosis, hypocalcemia and diuretics known to produce hypochloremic alkalosis.

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

If alkalosis results, the bicarbonate should be stopped and the patient managed according to the degree of alkalosis present. 0.9% sodium chloride injection intravenous may be given; potassium chloride also may be indicated if there is hypokalemia. Severe alkalosis may be accompanied by hyperirritability or tetany and these symptoms may be controlled by calcium gluconate. An acidifying agent such as ammonium chloride may also be indication in severe alkalosis.

Storage Condition

Store in a cool, dry place in controlled room temperature.

Store in a cool & dry place protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Gaviscon (Calcium carbonate_Sodium alignate_sodium bicarbonate)