Product Information
Registration Status: ActiveGAVISCON LIQUID is approved to be sold in Singapore with effective from 1996-04-15. It is marketed by RECKITT BENCKISER (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD, with the registration number of SIN09494P.
This product contains Calcium Carbonate 160mg/10ml,Alginic Acid 500mg/10ml, and Sodium Bicarbonate 267mg/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
Description
Calcium carbonate is an inorganic salt used as an antacid. It is a basic compound that acts by neutralizing hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions. Subsequent increases in pH may inhibit the action of pepsin. An increase in bicarbonate ions and prostaglandins may also confer cytoprotective effects. Calcium carbonate may also be used as a nutritional supplement or to treat hypocalcemia.
Indication
For relief of heartburn and acid indigestion. May also be used as a nutritional supplement or to treat hypocalcemia.
Mechanism of Action
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).
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- 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.
- 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.
- Metabolism
- None.
- Elimination
Active Ingredient/Synonyms
CaCO3 | Calcium carbonate | Calcium carbonate (1:1) | Calciumcarbonat | Carbonate de calcium | Carbonato de calcio | Carbonic acid calcium salt (1:1) | Chalk | E 170 | Kalziumkarbonat | Kohlensaurer kalk | Precipitated calcium carbonate | Calcium Carbonate |
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.
Description
Sodium bicarbonate is a white, crystalline powder that is commonly used as a pH buffering agent, an electrolyte replenisher, systemic alkalizer and in topical cleansing solutions.
Indication
Sodium bicarbonate is used for the treatment of metabolic acidosis which may occur in severe renal disease, uncontrolled diabetes, circulatory insufficiency due to shock or severe dehydration, extracorporeal circulation of blood, cardiac arrest and severe primary lactic acidosis. Also is indicated in severe diarrhea which is often accompanied by a significant loss of bicarbonate. Further indicated in the treatment of certain drug intoxications, including barbiturates (where dissociation of the barbiturateprotein complex is desired), in poisoning by salicylates or methyl alcohol and in hemolytic reactions requiring alkalinization of the urine to diminish nephrotoxicity of blood pigments.
Mechanism of Action
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]
Active Ingredient/Synonyms
Baking soda | Bicarbonate of soda | Carbonic acid monosodium salt | e 500 | e-500 | e500 | NaHCO3 | Natriumhydrogenkarbonat | Sodium acid carbonate | Sodium bicarbonate | Sodium hydrogen carbonate | Sodium hydrogencarbonate | Sodium 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.