Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Acidex Advance Oral Suspension (Peppermint Flavour)
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Sodium alginate, Potassium hydrogen carbonate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
FOR AAcidex Advance Oral Suspension (referred to as 'Acidex Advance' throughout this leaflet) belongs to a group of medicines called "reflux suppressants". Reflux is when the acid stomach contents flow back up the gullet (oesophagus) and this can cause pain and discomfort known as heartburn or acid indigestion. This medicine contains the active ingredients sodium alginate and potassium hydrogen carbonate which together form a protective layer at
WARNING: DO NOT EXCEED THE STATED DOSE If you take more of this medicine than you should If you take too much of this product you may feel bloated and experience some abdominal discomfort. It is unlikely to cause you any harm, but please consult your doctor or pharmcist if this doesn't go away. If symptoms persist after 7 days consult your doctor. If you forget to take this medicine If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten dose.
How to take it
ACIDEX ADVANCE To be taken by mouth, after meals and at bedtime. Shake bottle well before use. If you are unsure how to use this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Use within 3 months of opening. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment. 6. FURTHER INFORMATION What Acidex Advance contains:
- The active ingredients are: Sodium alginate 1000mg/10ml, and Potassium hydrogen carbonate 200mg/10ml
- The other ingredients are: Calcium Carbonate, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Saccharin Sodium, Ethyl Parahydroxybenzoate (E214), Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate (E216), Butyl Parahydroxybenzoate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Peppermint Oil and Purified Water (see end of Section 2 for further information) What Acidex Advance looks like and contents of the pack This medicine is a peppermint flavoured white or cream coloured suspension. It comes in amber glass bottles of 150ml, 200ml, 250ml, 300ml and 500ml with white polypropylene caps. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Wockhardt UK Ltd, Ash Road North, Wrexham, LL13 9UF, UK. Manufacturer Pinewood Laboratories Limited, Ballymacarbry, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. PL 29831/0698 This leaflet was last updated in 10/2022.
Each 10ml of the oral suspension contains 1000mg of sodium alginate and 200mg of potassium hydrogen carbonate. Also contains parahydroxybenzoates (Parabens, E214 and E216) which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed). This medicinal product contains about 5.1mmol of sodium and 2mmol of potassium per 10ml dose. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet or when taking drugs which can increase potassium levels. Care should also be taken if on calcium controlled diet. Read the attached leaflet carefully before use. To be taken by mouth after meals and at bedtime. Shake bottle well before use. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Take special care if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of this medicine. Side effects are occasional. See leaflet for further information. Store below 25oC. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the label. Do not refrigerate or freeze 250ml MA Holder: Wockhardt UK Ltd, Ash Road North, Wrexham, LL13 9UF, UK. UK Only P PL 29831/0698 23LL05955PW 108173/5
PL 29831/0698
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Braille Warning! Cirrus cannot accept responsibility for any errors in this proof after approval by the customer.
Adults including the elderly and children 12 years and over: Children under 12 years:
5 – 10ml (one to two 5ml spoonfuls) after meals and at bedtime. Should only be taken on medical advice.
Acidex ACIDEX ADVANCE
Advance ORAL SUSPENSION Oral Suspension sodium alginate, potassium hydrogen carbonate
Heartburn and indigestion suspension ((Peppermint pp flavour))
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this product can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Very rarely (less than 1 in 10,000 patients) there is a chance of an allergic reaction to the ingredients. Symptoms of this may include difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the face. Uncommonly reported side-effects are diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. If you experience these or any other side effects stop taking the product and consult your doctor immediately. Reporting of side effects: If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine
How to store it
ACIDEX ADVANCE Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25oC. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Do not use this product after the expiry date which is stated on the pack. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Acidex
Advance Oral Suspension Oral Suspension
sodium alginate, potassium hydrogen carbonate
Heartburn and indigestion suspension ((Peppermint pp flavour))
Each 10ml of the oral suspension contains 1000mg of sodium alginate and 200mg of potassium hydrogen carbonate. Also contains parahydroxybenzoates (Parabens, E214 and E216) which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed). This medicinal product contains about 5.1mmol of sodium and 2mmol of potassium per 10ml dose. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet or when taking drugs which can increase potassium levels. Care should also be taken if on calcium controlled diet. Read the attached leaflet carefully before use. To be taken by mouth after meals and at bedtime. Shake bottle well before use. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Take special care if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of this medicine. Side effects are occasional. See leaflet for further information. Store below 25oC. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the label. Do not refrigerate or freeze 250ml MA Holder: Wockhardt UK Ltd, Ash Road North, Wrexham, LL13 9UF, UK. UK Only P PL 29831/0698 23LL05955PW 108173/5
Braille reads:
Acidex Advance Oral Suspension a
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Whilst extreme care is taken in the setting of Braille, the customer must take the final responsibility for its accuracy. There is no single European Braille authority and there are many different Braille formats in existence, with country specific characters. This Braille is set to the Marburg Medium format unless you have requested otherwise. When you sign this proof you are signifying full approval of the Braille text and specification.
the top of your stomach to stop reflux from happening by keeping the stomach contents away from the lining of the food pipe to relieve the symptoms of heartburn and acid indigestion. It can therefore be taken to prevent and relieve the symptoms of acid reflux, including during pregnancy and relieve the symptoms of conditions such as hiatus hernia (protrusion of muscle through a muscle wall), reflux oesophagitis (inflamed foodpipe) and symptoms of hoarseness and other voice disorders, sore throat and cough associated with reflux. It can also be taken to control heartburn symptoms which may occur when taking, or following withdrawal of medication to reduce stomach acid such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 Antagonists. 2. BEFORE YOU TAKE ACIDEX ADVANCE Do not take Acidex Advance if you:
- are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the ingredients in this medicine, including the esters of hydroxybenzoates (parabens) (see Section 6 and end of Section 2) Warnings and precautions: This medicine contains sodium (5.1mmol per 10ml), potassium (2.0mmol per 10ml) and calcium. − If you have been advised to follow a diet restricted in any of these please consult you doctor before taking this product. − The maximum recommended daily dose of this medicinal product contains 424mg sodium (found in table salt). This is equivalent to 21% of the adult recommended maximum daily intake for sodium. − Please also talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need this product on a daily basis for a prolonged period, especially if you have been advised to follow a low salt (sodium) diet or if you suffer or have suffered from significant kidney or heart disease, as certain salts could interfere with these diseases. Taking other medicines Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines
obtained without prescription. Wait at least 2 hours between taking this medicine and other medicines such as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones (types of antibiotics), iron salts, thyroid hormones, chloroquine (a medication used to prevent malaria), bisphosphonates (a medication used to treat osteoporosis) and estramustine (a medication to treat prostate cancer). Pregnancy and breast-feeding This medicine can be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding, however it is recommended to limit the treatment duration as much as possible. Driving and using machines There are no known effects of this medicine on ability to drive or operate machinery. Important information about some of the ingredients of Acidex Advance This medicine also contains:
- Parahydroxybenzoates: may cause allergic reactions, possibly delayed
- Sodium: Each 10ml dose of this medicine contains about 5.1mmol of sodium and therefore care should be exercised in patients on a sodium restricted diet.
- Potassium: Each 10ml dose of this medicine contains about 2mmol of potassium and therefore care should be taken when taking drugs which can increase potassium levels.
Frequently asked questions about Acidex Advance Oral Suspension (Peppermint Flavour)
How do I take Acidex Advance Oral Suspension (Peppermint Flavour)?
Acidex Advance Oral Suspension (Peppermint Flavour) comes as oral solution. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Acidex Advance Oral Suspension (Peppermint Flavour)?
The active substance in Acidex Advance Oral Suspension (Peppermint Flavour) is sodium alginate, potassium hydrogen carbonate.
Are there equivalent medicines to Acidex Advance Oral Suspension (Peppermint Flavour)?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Acidex Advance Oral Suspension (Aniseed Flavour), Gaviscon Advance Aniseed flavour Oral Suspension, Gaviscon Advance Peppermint Flavour Oral Suspension (GSL). They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Acidex Advance Oral Suspension (Peppermint Flavour), as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Acidex Advance Oral Suspension (Peppermint Flavour) without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: sodium alginate, potassium hydrogen carbonate
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Treatment of symptoms resulting from the reflux of acid, bile and pepsin into the oesophagus such as acid regurgitation, heartburn, indigestion (occurring due to the reflux of stomach contents), for instance, after gastric surgery, as a result of hiatus hernia, during pregnancy, accompanying reflux oesophagitis, including symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux such as hoarseness and other voice disorders, sore throats and cough. Can also be used to treat the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux during concomitant treatment with or following withdrawal of acid suppressing therapy.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Adults and children 12 years and over: 5 -10ml after meals and at bedtime
Children under 12 years: Should be given only on medical advice.
Elderly: no dose modification is required in this age group.
4.3. Contraindications
This medicinal product is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients, or any of the excipients listed in section 6.1, including the esters of hydroxybenzoates (Parabens) (see section 4.4).
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
If symptoms do not improve after seven days, the clinical situation should be reviewed.
This medicinal product contains about 106 mg (5.1mmol) sodium per 10 ml dose, equivalent to 5.3% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake for sodium.
The maximum daily dose of this product is equivalent to 21% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake for sodium.
This product is considered high in sodium. This should particularly be taken into account for those on a low salt diet (e.g in some cases of congestive cardiac failure and renal impairment).
Potassium: This medicine contains 78 mg (2.0 mmol) potassium per 10 ml dose. To be taken into consideration by patients with reduced kidney function or patients on a controlled potassium diet.
Each 10ml contains 200 mg (2.0 mmol) of calcium carbonate. Care needs to be taken in treating patients with hypercalcaemia, nephrocalcinosis and recurrent calcium containing renal calculi.
Contains parahydroxybenzoates (E214, E216); may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed)
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
A time-interval of 2 hours should be considered between Acidex Advance intake and the administration of other medicinal products, especially tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, iron salts, thyroid hormones, chloroquine, bisphosphonates, and estramustine.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and 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 foeto/neonatal toxicity of the active substances. Acidex Advance can be used during pregnancy, if clinically needed.
Breast feeding:
No known effect on breast fed infants. Acidex Advance can be used during breast feeding.
Fertility
No known effect on human fertility.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Adverse reactions have been ranked under headings of frequency using the following convention: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 and <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1000 and < 1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 and <1, 1000), very rare (<1/10,000 cases), and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
System Organ Class
Frequency
Adverse Event
Immune System Disorders
Very Rare
Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria.
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders
Very Rare
Respiratory effects such as bronchospasm.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Uncommon
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Vomiting
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Symptoms
Symptoms are likely to be minor; some abdominal discomfort may be experienced.
Management
In the event of overdose, symptomatic treatment should be given.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Acidex Advance Oral Suspension (Peppermint Flavour). The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.