Algina

Each 10 mL contains: Sodium Alginate 500 mg (as dry 425 mg), Sodium Bicarbonate 213 mg, Calcium Carbonate 325 mg.

Pharmacologic Classification: Antacid.
Pharmacology: Mechanism of Action: This medicine contains sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium carbonate.
Sodium alginate, a natural polysaccharide, has been used for heartburn and acid reflux. It effectively provides physical barriers to acidic gastric contents and can significantly reduce reflux episodes.
Sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate are antacids that neutralize acid in the stomach. They are used to relieve acid indigestion and heartburn.

This medicine is used for the treatment of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux such as acid regurgitation, heartburn, and indigestion due to reflux of stomach contents.

Adult and children 12 years and older: Take 10 to 20 mL (1-2 sachets) after meals and before bedtime, up to four times a day.
Children 6 to 11 years old: Take 5 to 10 mL (1 sachet) after meals and before bedtime.
This product is not recommended for children under 6 years old.
Missed Dose: If the patients misses a dose, just take the next dose if still needed for the condition being treated and the subsequent doses at the recommended time or schedule. Do not double the dose.

Signs and symptoms of overdosage: The patient may feel bloated if he/she has taken more than the recommended dose.
If overdose occurs, symptomatic treatment should be given.

If patient is allergic to sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate or to any ingredient in the product.
If patient is on low-sodium diet.
If patient has congestive heart failure, renal failure, edema or cirrhosis.

Ask a doctor before use if patient has hypercalcemia or nephrocalcinosis.
Do not take more than the recommended dose.
Before taking this medication, tell the doctor: If the patient has congestive heart failure or renal failure; If the patient has hypercalcemia or nephrocalcinosis; If the child is under 6 years old.
Stop use and ask a doctor if: Symptoms worsen or do not improve after seven days.

Sodium Alginate: Immune system disorders: Anaphylactic reaction/shock.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Bronchospasm.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Bloating, flatulence.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Urticaria.
Sodium Bicarbonate: Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood), metabolic alkalosis (metabolic condition in which pH of tissue is elevated).
Cardiac disorders: Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Apnea (slow breathing).
Gastrointestinal disorders: Bloating, flatulence.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Tiredness.
Calcium Carbonate: Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Alkalosis (increase in blood pH), decreased appetite, hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood), metabolic alkalosis (metabolic condition in which pH of tissue is elevated), milk-alkali syndrome (high levels of calcium in the blood caused by taking too much calcium and absorbable alkali).
Nervous system disorders: Dizziness, headache.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Burping, constipation, flatulence, nausea, rebound hyperacidity (added secretion of stomach acid), vomiting.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Weakness.

Sodium alginate may decrease the absorption of minerals such as calcium, zinc, manganese, chromium, and magnesium if used concomitantly.
Antacids may interfere with the absorption of other medicines. It is advised that patients have an interval of at least two hours between taking a dose of an antacid and any other medicine.
Antacids may decrease the absorption of tetracyclines as a result of chelation of cation by the antibiotic. Doses of tetracyclines should be given 1 to 2 hours after taking antacids.
Antacid-induced increases in urine pH may decrease excretion of weakly basic drugs (e.g., quinidine, chlorpromazine, propranolol, diazepam) and increase excretion of acidic drugs (e.g., phenytoin, pentobarbital, warfarin).
Absorption of buffered or enteric-coated aspirin is increased by simultaneous use of antacids. Antacid-induced changes in urine pH increase urinary excretion and decrease blood concentration of salicylates such as aspirin.
Administration of sodium bicarbonate with naproxen increases the rate of naproxen absorption.
Antacids also interact with enteric-coated tablets, capsules and granules. These products are formulated to resist gastric acid and dissolve in the more alkaline medium of the duodenum, releasing the drugs there. Enteric coatings may be disrupted prematurely in the presence of antacids, causing unwanted release of the drug in the stomach.
Concomitant administration of antacids and orally administered digoxin, indomethacin, or iron salts may decrease the absorption of these drugs.
Antacids can interact with fluoroquinolone antibacterials (e.g., ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin) and penicillamine (for rheumatoid arthritis) to form insoluble metal ion chelates.
The absorption of antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) is reduced in the presence of antacids, as these drugs are less readily soluble in an alkaline than in an acid medium.
Other drugs whose absorption is likely to be reduced in the presence of antacids include azithromycin, nitrofurantoin, rifampicin, phenytoin, chloroquine (to prevent malaria), phenothiazine antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine for mental problems), and bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, etidronate, risedronate).

Store at temperatures not exceeding 30ºC.
Do not refrigerate.
Store in original packaging.
Protect from light and moisture.

Antacids, Antireflux Agents & Antiulcerants

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

Non-Rx