Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Peppermint Flavour 200mg/1000mg – 250ml

Yes, in terms of active ingredients and therapeutic action. Both the peppermint and aniseed variants of Acidex Advance contain identical active ingredients at the same strengths per 5ml dose — sodium alginate 200mg, sodium bicarbonate 133.5mg, and calcium carbonate 80mg — and work in exactly the same way. The only difference between the two is the flavouring used. The peppermint flavour provides a cool, fresh taste that many people find refreshing and particularly pleasant when experiencing heartburn symptoms.

If you have a known sensitivity or allergy to peppermint or menthol-containing preparations, you should avoid the peppermint flavour variant and use the aniseed flavour instead, which does not contain peppermint. If you are unsure whether you have a sensitivity, consult your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before starting either variant.

Simple antacid tablets primarily neutralise stomach acid chemically. Acidex Advance does this too through its sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, but its key differentiating feature is sodium alginate, which forms a physical gel raft on the surface of the stomach contents. This raft physically blocks acid from refluxing back into the oesophagus, addressing the mechanical cause of reflux rather than just the acidity. This combined approach can be more effective for those whose main complaint is the sensation of acid rising rather than just excess acidity alone.

Take Acidex Advance after meals and at bedtime. Taking after food ensures there are stomach contents for the alginate raft to form on and float above. The bedtime dose is particularly helpful for those who experience reflux during the night or who wake with heartburn symptoms. Avoid taking on an empty stomach, as the raft-forming mechanism works best when there is food in the stomach.

In many cases, alginate antacid suspensions are used alongside prescribed medicines such as proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole) or H2 blockers for additional symptom control, particularly for breakthrough symptoms. However, antacids can affect the absorption of some medicines, so take other preparations at least 2 hours apart where possible. Confirm with your GP or pharmacist that this combination is appropriate for your specific medicines and circumstances before combining treatments.

Heartburn is very common in pregnancy, and alginate-based preparations are among the most frequently discussed options for managing it. However, the sodium content of each dose is an important consideration during pregnancy, particularly for women who have been advised to watch their sodium intake. Additionally, although peppermint flavouring in a suspension is generally considered safe, we recommend consulting your GP or midwife before using Acidex Advance during pregnancy to confirm that this specific product and flavour variant are appropriate for you.

Discard 28 days after first opening, even if product remains. Write the opening date on the label when you first use it. Beyond 28 days the preservative system cannot guarantee the suspension remains free from microbial contamination, even if it looks and smells unchanged.

If your symptoms have not improved after 7 days of regular use, you should consult your GP or pharmacist rather than continuing to self-treat. Persistent reflux symptoms can sometimes indicate an underlying condition such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or a hiatus hernia, both of which may require specific medical management. If your symptoms are accompanied by difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or any bleeding, seek medical assessment promptly.