Product Information
Registration Status: ActiveSIN12635P
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
Product Reference
Important Note: For generic product, the SPC/PIL provided may not be brand specific.
{{/items}} {{^items}}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.