Zorviscon Double Action Liquid

1. What is Zorviscon Double Action Liquid and what is it used for?

Zorviscon Double Action Liquid is a combination of two antacids (calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate) and an alginate which works in two ways:

1. Neutralising excess stomach acid to relieve the pain and discomfort.
2. Forming a protective barrier over the stomach contents to soothe the burning pain in your chest which may last for up to 4 hours.

This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called reflux suppressants, which form a protective layer on top of the stomach contents to prevent stomach acid escaping from the stomach into the food pipe causing pain and discomfort.

This medicine is used for the treatment of acid related symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux such as acid regurgitation, heartburn and indigestion, which may occur, for example, following meals or during pregnancy. It is also indicated for the treatment of heartburn and indigestion.

2. What you need to know before you take Zorviscon Double Action Liquid

Do not take Zorviscon Double Action Liquid:

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).

Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Zorviscon Double Action Liquid if you:

• Have severe kidney problems
• Have electrolyte disturbance causing low level of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphataemia)
• Suffer or have suffered from significant kidney or heart disease, as certain salts could interfere with these diseases
• Know you have reduced amounts of gastric acid in your stomach, as this product may be less effective
• Have congestive heart failure, renal impairment, cirrhosis of the liver, hypertension, or if you are receiving corticosteroids
• Have metabolic or respiratory alkalosis, hypocalcaemia, or hypochlorhydria
• Have kidney stones (renal calculi), nephrocalcinosis, hypercalcaemia, or a history of recurrent calcium-containing kidney stones
• Have been advised to follow a salt-restricted diet

As with other antacid products, taking Zorviscon Double Action Liquid can mask the symptoms of other more serious, underlying medical conditions. If symptoms persist after 7 days, consult your doctor.

Children
Do not give this medicine to a child under 12 years of age except on the advice of a doctor. There is a risk of increased levels of sodium in the blood (hypernatraemia) in children who have kidney problems or who have an inflamed stomach or bowel (gastroenteritis).

Other medicines and Zorviscon Double Action Liquid
Do not take this medicine within 2 hours of taking other medicines by mouth as it can interfere with the action of some other medicines.

Large doses of Zorviscon Double Action Liquid may affect the rate and/or extent of absorption of other oral medicines. A time interval of 2 hours should be considered between Zorviscon Double Action Liquid and the administration of other medicinal products, especially:

• Tetracyclines
• Fluoroquinolones
• Iron salts
• Thyroid hormones
• Chloroquine
• Bisphosphonates
• Estramustine

Thiazide diuretics and vitamin D: Hypercalcaemia has occurred when calcium salts are given with thiazide diuretics or vitamin D.

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without prescription.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility
You can take this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or are planning to have a baby. As with all medicines, the treatment duration should be limited as much as possible.

Clinical studies as well as post-marketing data indicate no malformations nor feto/neonatal toxicity. No effects have been shown in breastfed newborns/infants of treated mothers. Clinical data do not suggest that Zorviscon Double Action Liquid has an effect on human fertility.

Driving and using machines
Zorviscon Double Action Liquid has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Important information about some of the ingredients of Zorviscon Double Action Liquid
Each 10 ml dose of Zorviscon Double Action Liquid contains:

• 127.25 mg sodium (5.53 mmol)
• 130 mg calcium (3.25 mmol)

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you need Zorviscon Double Action Liquid on a daily basis for a prolonged period of time, especially if you have been advised to have a low salt diet.

Speak to a doctor before taking this medicine if you have kidney stones or high levels of calcium in your blood.

If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.