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

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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

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
   

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.
 

• 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.

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