Composition
Algifas t Suspension: Each 10 ml suspension contains Sodium Alginate BP 500 mg, Sodium Bicarbonate BP 267 mg and Calcium Carbonate BP 160 mg.
Pharmacology
The mode of action of the Algifas t is physical and does not depend on absorption into the sys temic circulation. On inges tion, the product reacts rapidly with gas tric acid to form a raft of Alginic acid gel having a near-neutral pH and which floats on the s tomach contents quickly and effectively impeding gas tro-esophageal reflux, for up to 4 hours. In severe cases, the raft itself may be refluxed into the esophagus in preference to the s tomach contents and exert a demulcent effect.
Indication
Gas tric reflux; Heartburn; Flatulence associated with gas tric reflux; Heartburn of pregnancy, all cases of epigastric and retrosternal distress where the underlying cause is gas tric reflux.
Dosage & Administration
Adult and children over 12 years: 10 – 20 ml after meals and before sleep, up to four times a day.
Children 6 to 12 years: 5 -10 ml after meals and before sleep, up to four times a day.
Children under 6 years not recommended.
Elderly Patient: No dose modification is required for this age group.
Contraindication
This product is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to the active ingredients or to any of the excipients.
Precaution
If symptoms do not improve after 7 days, the clinical situation should be reviewed. Each 10 ml dose has a Sodium content of 141 mg (6.2 mmol). This should be taken into account when a highly res tricted salt diet is recommended, e.g. in some cases of congestive cardiac failure and renal impairment. Each 10 ml dose contains 160 mg (1.6 mmol) of Calcium Carbonate, so care needs to be taken in treating patients with hypercalcaemia, nephrocalcinosis and recurrent calcium containing renal calculi.
Side Effects
In addition to the desired effect of the drug, some side effects may appear such as: cons tipation, flatulence, s tomach cramp or belching. In these cases consult a physician. If too big dose has been taken, there might appear a sensation of swelling. In this case, it is advisable to consult a registered physician.
Use in Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Clinical studies in more than 500 pregnant women, as well as a large amount of data from post-marketing experience, indicate no malformative nor feto/neonatal toxicity of the active ingredients. This drug can be used during pregnancy if clinically needed.
Breastfeeding: No effects of the active subs tances have been shown in breas tfed newborns/infants of treated mothers. This drug can be used during breas tfeeding.
Fertility: Pre-clinical inves tigations have revealed alginate has no negative effect on fertility or reproduction.
Drug Interactions
A time-interval of 2 hours should be considered between this drug intake and the adminis tration of other medicinal products, especially Tetracyclines, Digoxine, Fluoroquinolone, Iron salt, Ketoconazole, Neuroleptics, Thyroid Hormones, Penicillamine, Beta-blockers (Atenolol, Metoprolol, Propranolol), Glucocorticoid, Chloroquine and Biphosphonates (diphosphonates) and Es tramus tine.
Overdose
In the event of overdose symptomatic treatment should be given. No overdose case has been found.
Storage
Store below 30°C, protect from light & mois ture. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Packaging
Algifast suspension: Each PET bottle contains 200 ml suspension and a measuring cup.
