BNF for Children 2011-2012

38 1.1.2 Compound alginate preparations BNFC 2011–20121 Gastro-intestinal systemDentinox c (DDD) UColic drops (= emulsion), simeticone 21 mg/2.5-mLdose. Net price 100 mL = £1.73Dose. By mouthNeonate 2.5 mL with or after each feed (max. 6 doses in24 hours); may be added to bottle feedChild 1 month–2 years 2.5 mL with or after each feed(max. 6 doses in 24 hours); may be added to bottle feedNote The brand name Dentinox c is also used for otherpreparations including teething gelInfacol c (Forest) ULiquid, sugar-free, simeticone 40 mg/mL (low Na + ).Net price 50 mL = £2.26. Counselling, use of dropperDose. By mouthNeonate 0.5–1 mL before feedsChild 1 month–2 years 0.5–1 mL before feeds1.1.2 Compound alginatepreparationsAlginate taken in combination with an antacid increasesthe viscosity of stomach contents and can protect theoesophageal mucosa from acid reflux. Some alginatecontainingpreparations form a viscous gel (‘raft’) thatfloats on the surface of the stomach contents, therebyreducing symptoms of reflux. Alginate-containing preparationsare used in the management of mild symptomsof dyspepsia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease(see section 1.1). Antacids may damage entericcoatings designed to prevent dissolution in the stomach.For interactions, see Appendix 1 (antacids, calciumsalts).Preparations containing aluminium should not be usedin children with renal impairment, or in neonates andinfants.Alginate raft-forming oral suspensionsThe following preparations contain sodium alginate,sodium bicarbonate, and calcium carbonate in a suitableflavoured vehicle, and conform to the specification forAlginate Raft-forming Oral Suspension, BP.Acidex c (Pinewood)Liquid, sugar-free, sodium alginate 250 mg, sodiumbicarbonate 133.5 mg, calcium carbonate 80 mg/5 mL. Contains about 3 mmol Na + /5 mL, net price500 mL (aniseed- or peppermint-flavour) = £2.30Dose. By mouthChild 6–12 years 5–10 mL after meals and at bedtimeChild 12–18 years 10–20 mL after meals and at bedtimePeptac c (IVAX)Suspension, sugar-free, sodium bicarbonate133.5 mg, sodium alginate 250 mg, calcium carbonate80 mg/5 mL. Contains 3.1 mmol Na + /5 mL. Net price500 mL (aniseed- or peppermint-flavoured) = £2.16DoseChild 6–12 years 5–10 mL after meals and at bedtimeChild 12–18 years 10–20 mL after meals and at bedtimeOther compound alginate preparationsGastrocote c (Actavis)Tablets, alginic acid 200 mg, dried aluminium hydroxide80 mg, magnesium trisilicate 40 mg, sodiumbicarbonate 70 mg. Contains about 1 mmol Na + /tablet. Net price 100-tab pack = £3.51Cautions diabetes mellitus (high sugar content)Dose. By mouthChild 6–18 years 1–2 tablets chewed 4 times daily (aftermeals and at bedtime)Liquid, sugar-free, peach-coloured, dried aluminiumhydroxide 80 mg, magnesium trisilicate 40 mg, sodiumalginate 220 mg, sodium bicarbonate 70 mg/5 mL. Contains 2.13 mmol Na + /5 mL. Net price500 mL = £2.67Dose. By mouthChild 6–12 years 5–10 mL 4 times daily (after meals andat bedtime)Child 12–18 years 5–15 mL 4 times daily (after mealsand at bedtime)Gaviscon c Advance (Reckitt Benckiser)Tablets, sugar-free, sodium alginate 500 mg, potassiumbicarbonate 100 mg. Contains 2.25 mmol Na + ,1 mmol K + /tablet. Net price 60–tab pack (peppermint-flavour)= £3.07Excipients include aspartame (section 9.4.1)Dose. By mouthChild 6–12 years 1 tablet to be chewed after meals andat bedtime (under medical advice only)Child 12–18 years 1–2 tablets to be chewed after mealsand at bedtimeSuspension, sugar-free, aniseed- or peppermint-flavour,sodium alginate 500 mg, potassium bicarbonate100 mg/5 mL. Contains 2.3 mmol Na + , 1 mmol K + /5 mL, net price 250 mL = £2.56, 500 mL = £5.12Dose. By mouthChild 2–12 years 2.5–5 mL after meals and at bedtime(under medical advice only)Child 12–18 years 5–10 mL after meals and at bedtimeGaviscon c Infant (Reckitt Benckiser)Oral powder, sugar-free, sodium alginate 225 mg,magnesium alginate 87.5 mg, with colloidal silica andmannitol/dose. Contains 0.92 mmol Na + /dose. Netprice 30 doses = £2.46Dose. By mouthNeonate body-weight under 4.5 kg 1 ‘dose’ mixed withfeeds (or water, for breast-fed infants) when required(max. 6 times in 24 hours)Neonate body-weight over 4.5 kg 2 ‘doses’ mixed withfeeds (or water, for breast-fed infants) when required(max. 6 times in 24 hours)