How does it work?

This medicine contains three active ingredients, aluminium hydroxide, light magnesium oxide and activated dimeticone.Aluminium hydroxide and magnesium oxide are antacids commonly used in a variety of indigestion preparations. They decrease the acidity of the stomach's juices by binding to excess acid.The decreased acidity in the stomach can help to relieve the symptoms of stomach ulcers, heartburn and indigestion. The activated dimeticone (previously spelt dimethicone in the UK) is used to help to relieve pain and bloating caused by trapped wind. It works by bringing together all the small bubbles of gas to form a large bubble, which is expelled either by belching or flatulance.

What is it used for?

• Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)
• Heartburn
• Heartburn in pregnancy
• Inflamed stomach lining (gastritis)
• Inflammation and ulceration of the gullet (oesophagus) also known as oesophagitis
• Peptic ulcer
• Upset stomach characterised by stomach pain and burning, nausea and excess gas (dyspepsia)

Use with caution in

• Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction)

Not to be used in

• Children under 12 years of age
• Decreased kidney function
• Pregnancy in the first trimester
• Weak or debilitated people

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• This medicine should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy, as it may produce birth defects (teratogenesis). Seek medical advice from your doctor.
• There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Constipation
• Diarrhoea

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Antacids may reduce the absorption of many medicines from the gut, including the following:- rifampicin - cardiac glycosides such as digoxin- bisphosphonates, eg alendronate- tetracycline antibiotics- quinolone antibiotics, eg ciprofloxacin.To reduce this effect you should leave a two hour gap between taking this antacid and any other medications.