NIFAVISCON

How does Nifaviscon double action work?
Sodium alginate is a naturally occurring substance found in a particular type of seaweed. In the presence of calcium carbonate, it reacts with the acid in the stomach to form a gel. Sodium bicarbonate also reacts with the acid in the stomach to form bubbles of carbon dioxide. These bubbles are trapped by the gel, allowing it to float like a raft on top of the stomach contents.
The raft stops stomach acid from flowing back up into the food pipe, which relieves reflux symptoms like heartburn or an acid taste in your mouth. In reflux oesophagitis, it also protects the inflamed foodpipe from the acid, helping it to heal.
The raft lasts for about three to four hours on top of the stomach contents and is then broken down in the digestive system and excreted in the faeces. It’s not absorbed into the bloodstream.

Nifaviscon Double action new formula also contains Magnesium hydroxide. Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium hydroxide reduces stomach acid and increases water in the intestines, which may induce bowel movements. Magnesium hydroxide is also used as an antacid to relieve indigestion, sour stomach, and heartburn, so Nifaviscon also has an antacid effect – hence the double action. They bind to and neutralise excess acid in the stomach, which relieves the pain and discomfort of indigestion and heartburn.

How do I take Nifaviscon double action?

Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over should take one to two sachets after meals and at bedtime as needed, up to four times a day.

Do not exceed the recommended dose.

If your symptoms persist or get worse despite taking Nifaviscon double action, get medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I know before taking Nifaviscon double action?

Indigestion and heartburn can sometimes be symptoms of more serious conditions such as stomach ulcers or stomach cancer. For this reason, you should consult your doctor before taking this medicine if any of the following apply to you:

You are aged 55 years or older and have new or recently changed indigestion or heartburn symptoms.

You have needed to use heartburn or indigestion remedies continuously for two or more weeks to control your symptoms.

You have difficulty or pain swallowing.

You have persistent stomach pain or unintended weight loss associated with indigestion.

You have blood in your poo or black, tarry stools.

You have persistent vomiting or vomiting blood.

You have had a peptic ulcer in the past.

You are taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, indometacin, naproxen, azapropazone, piroxicam, ketoprofen.

Who shouldn’t take Nifaviscon double action?

People who are allergic or intolerant to any ingredient of the medicine. Check the leaflet provided with the medicine if you know you have specific allergies or intolerances.

Nifaviscon double action products are not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Nifaviscon double action contains sodium and may not be suitable for people who are on a strict salt or sodium restricted diet, for example, those with heart or kidney disease. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Nifaviscon double action contains calcium so may not be suitable for people with high levels of calcium in their blood, or with a history of kidney stones that contain calcium. Again, check with your doctor or pharmacist if this applies to you.

Can I take Nifaviscon double action while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes – Nifaviscon double action can be used to relieve indigestion and heartburn associated with pregnancy or when breastfeeding. However, be sure not to take more than the recommended dose.

What are the possible side effects of Nifaviscon double action?
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects known to be associated with Nifaviscon double action. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn’t mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Very rarely, some people have experienced an allergic reaction after taking Nifaviscon double action, such as an itchy rash (urticaria), breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), or anaphylaxis. If you think you’ve had an allergic reaction to Nifaviscon double action, don’t take any more and get medical advice straight away.

If used in excessive doses or regularly for long periods of time, it’s possible to become constipated or for the amount of calcium in your blood to rise too high (hypercalcaemia).

Read the leaflet provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist if you want any more information about possible side effects. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?

Can I take Nifaviscon double action with other medicines?
Antacids can reduce the absorption of other medicines from the gut, which could make them less effective. If you’re taking any other medicines, get advice from your pharmacist before taking Nifaviscon double action.
Nifaviscon double action should preferably not be taken at the same time of day as any other medicines. In general, any interactions can be avoided if you don’t take Nifaviscon in the two hours before and after taking any other medicine. This is particularly important for the following medicines:

Atazanavir

Azithromycin

Bisphosphonates, eg alendronate, etidronate

Cefpodoxime

Chloroquine

Dipyridamole

Eltrombopag

Enteric-coated tablets

Erlotinib

Hydroxychloroquine

Iron preparations, eg ferrous sulphate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate

Itraconazole