Gelusil Raft Syrup

Composition of Gelusil Raft Syrup

Gelusil Raft Syrup contains Sodium Alginate (250mg/5ml) + Sodium Bicarbonate (133.5mg/5ml) + Calcium Carbonate (80mg/5ml). It belongs to the Antacid / H2 blocker and Vitamin D / calcium supplement class of medicines.

Uses of Gelusil Raft Syrup

• This medicine is used in the treatment of acidity
• heartburn
• indigestion
• gas and bloating
• vitamin d deficiency
• low calcium
• osteoporosis and bone health.

Key benefits

• Works within minutes
• Useful for occasional heartburn
• Corrects a very common deficiency in India
• Supports bone strength and muscle function
• Reduces the risk of fractures when a deficiency is present

How Gelusil Raft Syrup works

This medicine combines 3 active ingredients: Sodium Alginate, Sodium Bicarbonate and Calcium Carbonate. Sodium Alginate neutralises or reduces stomach acid, giving quick relief from burning and indigestion. Sodium Bicarbonate neutralises or reduces stomach acid, giving quick relief from burning and indigestion. Calcium Carbonate helps your gut absorb calcium and keeps the mineral level in your blood and bones where it should be.

How to take Gelusil Raft Syrup

Shake the bottle well before each dose and measure it with the cup, spoon or dropper supplied — a kitchen spoon is not an accurate measure. Take it after meals and at bedtime. Follow the dose and the duration written on your prescription.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause severe loose motions or constipation and disturb the body's salt balance. It can raise blood calcium dangerously, causing thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, confusion and kidney damage. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Gelusil Raft Syrup

Most side effects of Gelusil Raft are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Constipation
• Loose motions
• Chalky taste
• Flatulence
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Gelusil Raft Syrup

Warnings and precautions

This is for short-term relief. See a doctor if you need it most days for more than a couple of weeks. Seek urgent care for chest pain that spreads to the arm or jaw, comes with sweating or breathlessness — do not assume it is acidity. Antacids interfere with the absorption of many other medicines. Take them at least two hours apart from anything else. Do not take more than your doctor has advised. Vitamin D builds up in the body and too much raises blood calcium, causing thirst, frequent urination, nausea and confusion. High-dose weekly or monthly sachets are prescription strengths — do not repeat one because you missed a week. Tell your doctor if you have had kidney stones or have kidney disease.

Do not take Gelusil Raft if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Magnesium-containing antacids are avoided in significant kidney disease. Not for people with a high blood calcium level, or with certain kidney stones.

Interactions with other medicines

Reduces the absorption of thyroid tablets, iron, and several antibiotics — separate them by at least two hours. Calcium reduces the absorption of thyroid tablets, several antibiotics and iron — separate them by a few hours. Water tablets of the thiazide group raise calcium further when combined.

How to store Gelusil Raft Syrup

Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Once opened, use it within the period printed on the pack. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Gelusil Raft Syrup

Take it after meals and at bedtime when symptoms are worst. Avoid late heavy meals, and raise the head of your bed if symptoms wake you at night. Take calcium with food, and split the day's total if you take a large amount. Sunlight helps your body make its own vitamin D. Have your level rechecked as your doctor advises rather than continuing high doses indefinitely.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

PFIZER LTD`

Therapeutic class:

Antacid and Vitamin and mineral supplement

Drug class:

Antacid / H2 blocker and Vitamin D / calcium supplement