Ancid 250 mg + 400 mg Tablet

Ancid 250 mg + 400 mg tablet by Renata PLC is a classic combination antacid containing Aluminium Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide. It gives quick, short-term relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, gas and sour stomach. Chewable forms of Ancid should be chewed well before swallowing for the fastest effect.

The two ingredients work by directly neutralising acid already present in the stomach — they do not stop new acid production. Aluminium hydroxide neutralises acid slowly and tends to cause constipation, while magnesium hydroxide acts faster and tends to loosen stools. Combining them balances these opposite bowel effects while providing prompt relief, usually within minutes.

Aluminium Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide is used for short-term relief of:

• Heartburn — burning sensation behind the breastbone after meals
• Acid indigestion and sour stomach — including discomfort after spicy or oily food
• Hyperacidity associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer and reflux
• Gas and bloating — formulations with simethicone help further

It suits occasional, mild symptoms. If you need an antacid almost daily for more than two weeks, see a doctor — recurring symptoms may need acid-suppressing treatment or investigation rather than repeated self-medication.

Typical adult dosing of Ancid:

• Tablets: 1-2 tablets chewed thoroughly, 1-3 hours after meals and at bedtime, or when symptoms occur
• Suspension: usually 1-2 teaspoonfuls (or as labelled), shaken well, taken the same way
• Do not exceed the maximum daily amount stated on the label (commonly not more than 8-12 tablets a day for short periods)

Keep a 2-hour gap between Ancid and most other medicines, since antacids interfere with their absorption. Use for more than two weeks should be under a registered doctor's advice. For children, use only if a doctor recommends it, at the dose they specify.

At usual doses Aluminium Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide causes few problems. Possible effects:

• Common: chalky taste, mild constipation or loose stools, belching
• With high or prolonged use: significant constipation (aluminium) or diarrhoea (magnesium), low blood phosphate, weakness
• In kidney disease: magnesium and aluminium can accumulate, causing drowsiness, muscle weakness or more serious toxicity

Stop the antacid and consult a doctor if you notice persistent diarrhoea or constipation, unusual tiredness, irregular heartbeat, or no symptom relief despite proper use.

Precautions with Aluminium Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide:

• Kidney disease: avoid regular use unless a doctor approves — risk of magnesium/aluminium accumulation
• Medicine spacing: take other medicines at least 2 hours before or after the antacid
• Antacids relieve symptoms but do not heal ulcers or reflux disease; persistent symptoms need proper diagnosis
• Low-phosphate diets plus long-term aluminium antacids can cause phosphate depletion and bone problems
• Diabetic patients should check sugar content of flavoured suspensions; some products also contain significant sodium

Aluminium Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide reduces the absorption of many medicines by binding them or changing stomach acidity. Important examples:

• Antibiotics: tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin) — separate by at least 2 hours
• Iron salts, thyroid hormone (levothyroxine): markedly reduced absorption
• Digoxin, gabapentin, bisphosphonates, ketoconazole, isoniazid: absorption may fall
• Enteric-coated medicines: coatings may dissolve early, causing stomach upset

The simple rule: keep a 2-hour gap between Ancid and any other medicine, and remind your pharmacist about it.

Avoid Aluminium Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide in these situations:

• Known allergy to aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide or any ingredient of the tablet
• Severe kidney failure — high risk of magnesium and aluminium toxicity
• Hypophosphataemia (very low blood phosphate)
• Undiagnosed severe abdominal pain or suspected bowel obstruction — antacids can mask or worsen the picture

Children should not be given it routinely without a doctor's advice. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks despite the antacid, stop self-treating and seek medical evaluation.

Pregnancy: Aluminium-magnesium antacids are generally considered acceptable for occasional heartburn in pregnancy when used at recommended doses after lifestyle measures, and are among the antacids doctors commonly suggest. Avoid prolonged high doses, and confirm with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Lactation: These antacids are minimally absorbed into the bloodstream, so meaningful amounts do not reach breast milk. Occasional use at standard doses is generally regarded as compatible with breastfeeding. As always, a nursing mother with ongoing symptoms should consult a doctor rather than rely on antacids long term.

Store below 30°C in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tablets in their original pack; close suspension bottles tightly and shake well before each use. Do not freeze suspensions. Keep out of the reach and sight of children, and do not use after the expiry date printed on the package.