Viscocid
Generic Name: Sodium Alginate & Potassium Bicarbonate
Dosage Form: Suspension
TG Name: Gastrointestinal
1. What Viscocid® is and what it is used for?
Viscocid® (is the combination of Sodium Alginate BP 500 mg & Potassium Bicarbonate BP 100 mg. Sodium Alginate reacts with the acid in the stomach to form a gel. Potassium Bicarbonate also reacts with the acid in the stomach to form bubbles of carbon dioxide. These bubbles are trapped by the gel and they allow the gel to float like a raft on top of the stomach contents. The raft prevents acid in the stomach from flowing back into the food pipe. This relieves the symptoms of reflux such as heartburn.
Viscocid® is used for the treatment of symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux such as acid regurgitation, heartburn and indigestion (related to reflux), which may occur for example, following meals or during pregnancy or in patients with symptoms related to reflux esophagitis.
2. Before you take Viscocid®
Do not take this medicine and tell your doctor if:
You know you are allergic to any of the ingredients as very rarely difficulty in breathing and skin rashes have occurred.
Take special care with Viscocid®
Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if:
This medicine contains small amount of sodium. If you are on a low-salt diet you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist on the safe amount of sodium alginate that can be taken.
Taking other medicines
A time-interval of 2 hours should be considered between Viscocid® intake and the administration of other medicinal products, especially tetracyclines, digoxine, fluoroquinolone, iron salt, ketoconazole, neuroleptics, thyroid hormones, penicillamine, beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, propanolol), glucocorticoid, chloroquine and biphosphonates (diphosphonates) and estramustine.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
You can take this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
3. How to take Viscocid®
Taking this medicine
Always use Viscocid® exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
How much to take?
Adults and children 12 years and over:
Suspension: 2-4 teaspoonful orally 3-4 times daily including after meals and at bedtime.
Tablet: One to two tablets after meals and at bedtime.
Children under 12 years:
Should be given only on medical advice.
Elderly:
No dose modifications necessary for this age group.
If you take more Viscocid® than you should
If you have too much of this medicine, talk to your doctor straight away.
If you forget to take Viscocid®
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop taking Viscocid®
You may safely stop using this drug when you no longer require it. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
After taking Viscocid® Suspension
If symptoms persist after 7 days, consult your doctor.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Viscocid® can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Very rarely (
Tell your doctor if any of the side effects gets serious or lasts longer than a few days, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet.
5. How to store Viscocid®?
- Store in cool dry place & away from children.
- Avoid storage in direct sunlight or heat.
- Do not use this product after expiry date shown.
- Use within 6 months of opening.
- Do not refrigerate or freeze.
- Check that the cap seal is unbroken before first using the product.
