Acidex Suspension: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Acidex Suspension is an alginate-based antacid (reflux suppressant) containing sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium carbonate. It is used to relieve heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion, including symptoms of GORD, hiatus hernia, and reflux oesophagitis. It is available without a prescription and works by forming a protective layer over the stomach contents. It is taken by mouth after meals and at bedtime.

What is Acidex Suspension

Acidex is an alginate-based antacid medicine, classed as a reflux suppressant. It is used to relieve the symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion, including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), hiatus hernia, and reflux oesophagitis. It is available without a prescription.

Acidex Suspension uses

• Heartburn and acid regurgitation
• Indigestion related to reflux
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) symptoms
• Hiatus hernia symptoms
• Reflux oesophagitis
• Hoarseness, sore throat and cough associated with reflux
• Heartburn during pregnancy
• Controlling heartburn symptoms when stopping or reducing PPI or H2 antagonist medication

Benefits of Acidex Suspension

• Relieves heartburn and acid reflux after meals
• Forms a protective raft/layer to block stomach acid
• Sugar-free formula suitable for diabetics
• Available in flavoured formulas for easier taking
• Provides fast and effective symptom relief

How Acidex Suspension works

Acidex reacts with stomach acid to form a protective gel layer that floats on top of the stomach contents. This layer stops stomach acid from reaching the food pipe, which relieves heartburn and indigestion.

Acidex Suspension dosage

Take Acidex by mouth only. Shake the bottle well before each use. Take it after meals and at bedtime. Swallow the suspension directly; do not dilute it with water. Leave a gap of about 2 hours between taking Acidex and any other medicine taken by mouth. Children under 12 years should only take this medicine on medical advice, and children under 6 years should not be given this medicine. If you forget a dose, do not double the next dose — just carry on as before. Speak to a doctor if symptoms do not improve, or get worse, after 7 days.

Available forms and strengths

• Oral suspension

Side effects of Acidex Suspension

Common

• Bloating or flatulence
• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

Serious

• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Raised calcium levels with prolonged high-dose use (hypercalcaemia)
• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or swelling
• Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions
• Respiratory effects such as bronchospasm

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take Acidex if you are allergic to sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, or any other ingredient in the product.
• This product is high in sodium, so people on a low-salt diet need to be careful, especially those with heart failure or kidney problems.
• Care is needed in people with high blood calcium levels, kidney calcium deposits, or a history of calcium-containing kidney stones.
• This medicine can hide the symptoms of other, more serious underlying conditions.
• If you are over 40 and have never had heartburn or indigestion before, talk to your doctor before using this product.
• Leave a 2-hour gap between taking Acidex and other oral medicines, as it can reduce how well they are absorbed.
• Treatment should be used for as short a time as possible, and you should see a doctor if symptoms don't improve within 7 days.
• Acidex can be used during pregnancy if it is needed, but treatment should be limited as much as possible. Acidex can be used while breastfeeding, with no effects seen in breastfed babies of mothers using it.
•  People with severely reduced kidney function, or those on a restricted salt diet, should be cautious because this product is high in sodium. 
• No dose changes are needed for people with liver problems. Acidex does not affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

Storage

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.
• Do not freeze or refrigerate.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicine to your pharmacist.

When to see a doctor

• Stop using the product and get medical help right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• See a doctor if you do not feel better, or feel worse, after 7 days of use.
• If you take too much and feel bloated and it does not go away, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Alternatives

• Acidex Advance
• Rennie Liquid
• Gaviscon