A fool

Gealcid is an antacid preparation, used in dyspeptic disorders, gastroesophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, as well as in chronic gastritis, reflux oesophagitis, gastric or duodenal ulcer disease.

A fool (GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals SA – Polska)

SUBSTANCE 1 tablet contains: 0,35 g of alginic acid, 0,12 g of sodium bicarbonate, 0,1 g of aluminum hydroxide

ACTION

Gealcid is a combined preparation that neutralizes gastric juice.

Gealcid – indications and dosage

Gealcid is a drug that is taken to treat the symptoms of:

1. dyspeptic disorders (also during pregnancy),
2. gastroesophageal reflux,
3. hiatal hernia,

supportive or ad hoc:

1. in chronic gastritis,
2. in reflux oesophagitis,
3. in gastric or duodenal ulcers.

Dosage

Gealcid is in the form of chewable or chewable tablets and is intended for oral use. Before swallowing the tablet, chew it thoroughly until it becomes a paste. The drug should be used 1 or 3 hours after a meal and at bedtime or when symptoms appear, usually 4-6 times a day. During treatment with the drug, the consumption of milk and dairy products should be limited.

1. Adults and children after 12 years of age 2 tablets
2. Children up to 12 years of age 1 tablet

Gealcid and contraindications

Contraindications to the use of Gealcid are:

1. allergy to any ingredient of the preparation,
2. severe renal failure.

Gealcid – warnings

1. If symptoms persist despite taking the preparation, consult a doctor.
2. Do not take the drug for more than 3 months.
3. People with renal insufficiency should be careful as aluminum ions may accumulate.
4. Patients undergoing dialysis should be careful, as excessive use of the drug may aggravate or cause softening of the bones and the risk of developing encephalopathy.
5. Caution should be exercised in people with cirrhosis of the liver, congestive heart failure and edema due to the sodium bicarbonate content.
6. Caution is advised in children under 6 years of age who are dehydrated or with renal insufficiency.
7. Diabetic patients should be careful when taking the drug because 1 tablet contains 825 mg of sucrose.
8. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using the drug.
9. Preparations that neutralize gastric juice and contain aluminum may inhibit the development of the fetus.
10. Women in the first trimester of pregnancy should exercise caution when administering the drug.
11. The aluminum contained in the drug negatively affects the semen of men, so it is recommended not to use the preparation for a long time before the planned conception.
12. Using the preparation for more than 2 weeks may be harmful to the teeth.

Gealcid with other medications

Gealcid limits the absorption of:

1. tetracycline,
2. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
3. iron
4. oral anticoagulants
5. digoxin
6. vitamins.

These drugs should be used one hour before or 2 hours after taking the preparation.

Gealcid – side effects

During treatment with Gealcid, the following may occur:

1. constipation and excessive phosphorus loss, especially if the preparation is administered in too high doses or for a long time,
2. the preparation may affect the acid-base balance.