Sodium Alginate

What is this medication for?

Sodium Alginate is usually found with other ingredients like sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. When used together, the medication is used to treat heartburn and acid reflux where the stomach acid causes a burning pain or discomfort in the chest and stomach area.

The medication works by: 

1. removing excess acid in your stomach to relieve pain and discomfort
2. forming a protective barrier over the stomach contents to soothe the burning pain in your chest

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take a dose when necessary to relieve symptoms of heartburn, gastric reflux, or indigestion.
• Take this medication after meals and at bedtime or as you have been told by your healthcare professional.
• Chewable tablets:
  • Chew well before swallowing. Do not swallow it whole.
  • Drink a half glass of water or other liquid after you take this medication.
• Liquid (suspension):
  • Shake well before use.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

• This medication is to be taken only on an “as-needed” basis; there is no need to take the medication if you are not experiencing symptoms.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have been advised to follow a diet restricted in sodium (salt) or calcium, as this medication contains both sodium and calcium.

If you have any question about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

A common side effect is bloating (feeling full or swollen in the stomach area), which will improve with time. 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:
They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Drug Allergies

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Signs that your condition may require further medical attention include: 

• Shortness of breath, hoarseness, wheezing, teeth erosion and ear infection
• Pain on swallowing, swallowing difficulty, blood in the stools or vomit, chest pain, unintended weight loss and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Heartburn symptoms occurring for more than 3 times a week with significant impact on quality of life
• Heartburn symptoms continuing for more than 2 weeks despite self-treatment
• You are over 40 years old and experiencing heartburn symptoms for the first time
   

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

This medication may lower the absorption of medications such as:

• Antibiotics
• Medications to treat osteoporosis
• Medications to treat low thyroid level

Take sodium alginate two hours apart from these medications.
 

How should I store this medication?

• Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
• Do not store above 30°C.
• Do not freeze or refrigerate.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

When should i throw away this medication? 

• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date shown.
• For liquid (suspension): Use within 6 months of opening.

What else should I know about this medication? 

• This medication is sugar-free and gluten-free.