GAVISCON ADVANCE-PEPPERMINT FLAVOUR SUSPENSION

Product Information

Registration Status: Active

GAVISCON ADVANCE-PEPPERMINT FLAVOUR SUSPENSION is approved to be sold in Singapore with effective from 2004-12-24. It is marketed by RECKITT BENCKISER (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD, with the registration number of SIN12635P.

This product contains Potassium Bicarbonate 200mg/10ml, and Alginic Acid 1000mg/10ml in the form of SUSPENSION. It is approved for ORAL use.

This product is manufactured by RECKITT BENCKISER HEALTHCARE (UK) LTD in UNITED KINGDOM.

It is an Over-the-counter Medicine that can be freely obtained from any retailer

Potassium Bicarbonate
Alginic Acid

Description

Potassium bicarbonate is a white, crystalline, slightly alkaline and salty substance. It is produced by the passage of carbon dioxide through an aqueous potassium carbonate solution. It is used in medicine as an antacid.[T141] It is registered in the FDA under the section of suitable, safe and effective ingredients for OTC antacids.[L1836] This FDA denomination classifies potassium bicarbonate as a GRAS ingredient.[L1837]

Indication

Potassium bicarbonate is used as an antacid, electrolyte replenisher and potassium supplement. It can also be used as an excipient in drug formulations.[L1837] An antacid is a medication used to neutralize gastric acid in a short timeframe after ingestion and the effect is soon overcome by meal-stimulated acid secretion.[A32214]

Mechanism of Action

The antacid potential of potassium bicarbonate is attained by increasing the gastrointestinal pH by neutralizing hydrochloric acid.[T144] The increase in pH results in suppression of the action of pepsin which is the enzyme that exacerbates ulceration due to the presence of acid.[T143]

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption
Potassium bicarbonate intake is done mainly in the small intestine in which approximately 90% of the potassium will be absorbed by passive diffusion.[A32222]
Distribution
Metabolism
Elimination

Toxicity

Potassium bicarbonate does not contain any toxic chemicals and it is not listed as a carcinogenic or a potential carcinogen.[L1837] Potassium bicarbonate is also considered safe in pregnancy as the current data do not suggest a teratogenic potential or any developmental toxicity.[T142]

Active Ingredient/Synonyms

Carbonic acid, monopotassium salt | Potassium hydrogen carbonate | Potassium bicarbonate |


Source of information: Drugbank (External Link). Last updated on: 3rd July 18. *Trade Name used in the content below may not be the same as the HSA-registered product.


Description

Alginic acid, also referred to as algin or alginate, is a hydrophilic or anionic polysaccharide isolated from certain brown seaweed (_Phacophycae_) via alkaline extraction. It is present in cell walls of brown algae where it forms a viscous gel when binding with water. Alginic acid is a linear polymer consisted of L-glucuronic acid and D-mannuronic acid residues connected via 1,4-glycosidic linkages [A32961]. Available in different types of salt, alginic acid has been used in a variety of uses in food, cosmetics and pharmaceu-tical products for over 100 years [A32961]. Alginic acid is an FDA-approved food ingredient in soup and soup mixes as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer [L2693]. It is also available in oral dietary supplements and is found in antacids such as Gaviscon to inhibit gastroesophageal reflux by creating a physical barrier in presence of gastric acid [F46]. Alginate-based raft-forming formulations in the management of heartburn and gastric acid reflux have been used worldwide for over 30 years [A32961].

Indication

Indicated for the management of gastric reflux, reflux oesophagitis, hiatus hernia, heartburn (including heartburn of pregnancy) and similar gastric distress [F46].

Mechanism of Action

Once orally administered, alginic acid reacts with gastric acid to form a floating "raft" of alginic acid gel on the gastric acid pool. Alginate-based raft-forming formulations commonly contain sodium or bicarbonate; bicarbonate ions are converted to carbon dioxide in presence of gastric acid and get entrapped within the gel precipitate, converting it into a foam which floats on the surface of the gastric contents, much like a raft on water [A32961]. The "raft" has a near neutral pH due to carbon dioxide and floats on the stomach contents and potentially functions as a barrier to impede gastroesophageal reflux [A27141, F46]. In severe cases, the raft itself may be refluxed into the oesophagus in preference to the stomach contents and exert a demulcent effect [F46].

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption
The absorption into the systemic circulation from oral formulations of alginic acid is reported to be minimal, as the mode of action of alginic acid is physical [F46].
Distribution
This pharmacokinetic parameter is unlikely to apply for alginic acid.
Metabolism
This pharmacokinetic parameter is unlikely to apply for alginic acid.
Elimination

Clearance

This pharmacokinetic parameter is unlikely to apply for alginic acid.

Toxicity

Probable oral lethal dose reported in humans is above 15 g/kg [L2695]. Ingestion of large quantities may result in abdominal distension, intestinal obstruction, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Aspiration or inhalation may lead to pneumonitis [L2695]. In the event of overdosage symptomatic treatment should be given [F46].

Active Ingredient/Synonyms

(Alginate)n | (Alginate)n+1 | algin | alginate | Norgine | Alginic acid |


Source of information: Drugbank (External Link). Last updated on: 3rd July 18. *Trade Name used in the content below may not be the same as the HSA-registered product.

References

  1. Health Science Authority of Singapore - Reclassified POM
  2. Drugbank