Sodium alginate with magnesium alginate
- Drugs List
- Therapeutic Indications
- Dosage
- Administration
- Contraindications
- Precautions and Warnings
- Pregnancy and Lactation
- Side Effects
- Monograph
Presentation
Oral powder containing sodium alginate 225mg and magnesium alginate 87.5mg (equivalent to 1 unit dose sachet)
Drugs List
Therapeutic Indications
Uses
Indicated for gastric regurgitation, gastro-oesophageal reflux and reflux associated with hiatus hernia in infants and young children.
Dosage
Children
Children aged under 2 years
Breast fed infants
Under 4.5kg - one sachet.
Over 4.5kg - two sachets.
Put the required dose into a glass and add 5ml of cooled, boiled water. Mix to a smooth paste and add another 10ml water and mix. Give part way through each feed or meal using a spoon or feeding bottle.
Bottle fed infants
Under 4.5kg - one sachet to be mixed into not less than 115ml of each feed in the bottle and shaken well.
Over 4.5kg - two sachets to be mixed into not less than 230ml of each feed in the bottle and shaken well.
Young children
Two doses prepared as for breast fed infants to be taken after each meal.
Treatment should not be administered more than 6 times in 24 hours.
Not suitable for use in infants under 1 year unless under medical supervision.
Neonates
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (unlicensed)
Under 4.5kg: 1 sachet as needed. Maximum 6 sachets per day.
4.5kg and over: 2 sachets as needed. Maximum 12 sachets per day.
Patients with Renal Impairment
Contraindicated in infants with known or suspected renal impairment due to the sodium content (approximately 23.9mg or 1.04mmol per dose) that may add to the risk of hypernatraemia.
Administration
For oral use.
Mix immediately before use with water or milk feed.
Do not use with other preparations containing thickening agents.
Contraindications
Intestinal obstruction
Treatment of infants with gastro-enteritis
Impaired renal function (see 'Renal Impairment' section)
Situations where excessive water loss is likely e.g. fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or high room temperature
Precautions and Warnings
Use with caution in conditions where restricted sodium intake is indicated.
Hypernatraemia should be treated with oral fluids and the infant's electrolytes monitored. Hypo-osmotic solutions should be used to treat severe cases.
Do not use with other preparations containing thickening agents.
Not suitable for use in infants under 1 year unless under medical supervision.
The infant's condition should be reviewed seven days after starting treatment or earlier if symptoms worsen.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy
Not applicable.
Lactation
Not applicable.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Operate Machinery
Not applicable.
Side Effects
Gastric distension
Overdosage
It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.
The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111
Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).
Shelf Life and Storage
Do not store above 30 degrees C.
Further Information
Last Full Review Date: March 2011
Reference Sources
Summary of Product Characteristics: Gaviscon Infant. Forum Health Product Limited. Revised February 2020.
NICE Evidence Services Available at: www.nice.org.uk Last accessed: 23 April 2021
Medscape UK | Univadis prescription drug monographs & interactions are based on FDB Multilex Content
FDB Disclaimer : FDB Multilex is intended for the use of healthcare professionals and is provided on the basis that the healthcare professionals will retain FULL and SOLE responsibility for deciding what treatment to prescribe or dispense for any particular patient or circumstance.