Andrews Original Salts 19.5%/17.4%/22.6% w/w – 150g
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What Are Andrews Original Salts Used For?
Andrews Original Salts is one of the most iconic British over-the-counter digestive remedies, with a heritage stretching back well over a century. Sold in its recognisable tin, Andrews provides a gentle, triple-action effervescent powder that dissolves in water to produce a sparkling, lemon-flavoured solution offering symptomatic relief from two of the most common digestive complaints: indigestion and stomach upset on one hand, and occasional constipation on the other. It is a product that many British families have kept as a household staple for generations, valued for its familiar taste, its pleasant fizzing action, and its gentle but reliable effect.
Andrews Original Salts works through a combination of three active ingredients. Sodium bicarbonate at 22.6% w/w and citric acid at 19.5% w/w work together in a classic effervescent antacid mechanism — when the powder is dissolved in water, the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate react to produce a mildly alkaline, buffered solution that neutralises excess stomach acid, providing relief from the burning discomfort of indigestion, heartburn, and acid-related stomach upset. The effervescent action itself — the fizzing and sparkling of the dissolved solution — also contributes to the soothing, settling sensation that many people experience with Andrews. The third active ingredient, magnesium sulphate at 17.4% w/w, is a mild osmotic saline laxative. When dissolved and consumed, magnesium sulphate draws water into the large intestine, gently increasing the fluid content of the bowel and stimulating a gentle laxative effect that can help to relieve the occasional constipation that sometimes accompanies indigestion or follows dietary indiscretion. Together, these three components provide Andrews with its characteristic dual action — settling the stomach from above while gently clearing it from below.
Andrews Original Salts is presented as a loose granular powder in a 150g tin with a scoop or measuring spoon. The powder dissolves rapidly in half a glass of water to produce a refreshing lemon-flavoured sparkling solution. The familiar orange tin with its distinctive graphic is recognisable in pharmacy shelves and home medicine cabinets across the country, and the product remains one of the most trusted names in British over-the-counter digestive care.
Andrews is suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over. It is not suitable for those with severe kidney disease due to the magnesium sulphate content, and those on sodium-restricted diets should be aware of the sodium content per dose from the sodium bicarbonate component. If digestive symptoms are severe, persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by other symptoms, seek advice from a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist or your GP rather than continuing to self-treat. You can also browse our full heartburn and indigestion range.
How to Use Andrews Original Salts
- Measure one level 5ml spoonful of powder. Use the spoon provided in the tin or a calibrated 5ml medicine measuring spoon. One level spoonful is approximately 6g of powder.
- Dissolve in half a glass of cold water. Pour approximately 100 to 150ml of cold water into a glass. Add the measured powder and stir briefly. The powder will fizz and dissolve within a few seconds, producing a sparkling, lemon-flavoured solution.
- Drink while still effervescent. For best effect and the most enjoyable experience, drink the solution while it is still sparkling — the effervescent action is part of the product's soothing character.
- Repeat after 30 minutes if required. A second dose may be taken after at least 30 minutes if needed. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period.
- Replace the tin lid tightly after use. Keep the tin sealed between uses to prevent moisture from the air reaching the powder and causing it to clump or begin reacting prematurely.
Practical tips
- Andrews works most effectively when taken after meals or when indigestion symptoms first develop.
- The laxative effect from magnesium sulphate typically develops within 30 minutes to a few hours of taking the dose — plan accordingly if this timing is important.
- Take any other medicines at least 2 hours before or after Andrews to avoid absorption interactions.
- Keep the tin in a dry location — moisture will cause the powder to clump and lose its effervescent properties.
Andrews Original Salts Side Effects
Andrews Original Salts is generally well tolerated when used as directed. The following may occur with regular use.
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Loose stools or mild diarrhoea — this is the expected and intended laxative effect of magnesium sulphate; the degree of laxative action varies between individuals and with dose
- Increased wind or bloating from the carbon dioxide produced during the effervescent reaction
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Stomach cramps associated with the laxative effect in some individuals
- Nausea in some people, particularly with higher doses
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Hypermagnesaemia (elevated blood magnesium levels) with excessive or prolonged use, particularly in those with renal impairment — symptoms include muscle weakness, confusion, irregular heartbeat; seek urgent medical advice if these occur
- Electrolyte disturbance with prolonged excessive use
- Allergic reaction to any ingredient
Stop using and seek medical help if you experience:
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea or abdominal pain
- Muscle weakness, unusual fatigue, or confusion — may indicate hypermagnesaemia, particularly in those with renal impairment
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction — call 999 immediately
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store Andrews Original Salts 150g
- Temperature: Store below 25°C in a dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Tin lid: Replace the tin lid tightly after every use. Moisture from the air will cause the powder to absorb water, clump together, and begin the effervescent reaction prematurely, rendering the powder unusable and reducing its effectiveness. This is the most important storage instruction for Andrews.
- Do not store in a damp location such as a bathroom shelf — even small amounts of atmospheric moisture can affect the powder over time.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tin. Check the base of the tin or the lid for the best before date.
- Disposal: Dispose of any remaining powder responsibly. Ask your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist about safe disposal if needed.
Who Are Andrews Original Salts Suitable For?
Andrews Original Salts are suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over who experience indigestion, upset stomach, and associated digestive discomfort, particularly when accompanied by occasional constipation.
Suitable for:
- Adults and young people aged 12 and over with indigestion, heartburn, and acid-related stomach upset
- Those experiencing the occasional constipation that can accompany indigestion or dietary indiscretion
- People who prefer the familiar, time-honoured Andrews effervescent powder format for digestive relief
- Those who find the combination of antacid and gentle laxative action useful for managing both aspects of their digestive discomfort simultaneously
Not suitable for:
- Children under 12 years without medical advice
- Those with severe renal (kidney) impairment — magnesium sulphate can accumulate in those unable to excrete it efficiently, leading to magnesium toxicity
- Those with inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal obstruction
- Anyone with a known hypersensitivity to any ingredient
- Use as a primary antacid by those who need an antacid without laxative effect — the magnesium sulphate component will produce a laxative effect regardless of the reason for taking the product
Use with caution or seek advice first if you:
- Are on a sodium-restricted diet — each dose contains significant sodium from sodium bicarbonate
- Have mild to moderate renal impairment
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take any regular medicines — antacids can affect the absorption of several drugs; see Warnings section
- Experience frequent or recurring indigestion or constipation — ongoing symptoms warrant medical assessment rather than repeated self-treatment
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate digestive remedy for your symptoms.
Active Ingredients in Andrews Original Salts
| Ingredient | Percentage w/w in powder | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Citric acid | 19.5% w/w | Works alongside sodium bicarbonate in the antacid mechanism. When dissolved in water, citric acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce the characteristic effervescent action and a mildly alkaline, buffered solution. This reaction neutralises excess gastric acid on ingestion, helping to relieve the burning discomfort of indigestion and heartburn. Citric acid also contributes to the pleasant lemon flavour of the dissolved solution and helps to maintain the stability of the dry powder in the tin. |
| Magnesium sulphate | 17.4% w/w | A mild osmotic saline laxative that is not significantly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. After ingestion, magnesium sulphate exerts an osmotic effect in the large intestine, drawing water into the bowel lumen, increasing stool water content, softening the stool, and stimulating gentle bowel peristalsis. This gentle laxative action relieves the occasional constipation that often accompanies indigestion or follows overindulgence in food. The effect typically becomes apparent within 30 minutes to a few hours of taking a dose. |
| Sodium bicarbonate | 22.6% w/w | The primary antacid active ingredient. Sodium bicarbonate directly neutralises hydrochloric acid in the stomach, raising gastric pH and providing rapid relief from indigestion and acid-related stomach discomfort. It also reacts with citric acid to produce the effervescent carbon dioxide gas that gives Andrews its characteristic sparkling action when dissolved. The sodium content per dose from this ingredient is significant and should be considered by those on sodium-restricted diets. |
Andrews Original Salts Dosage — How Much to Take
Adults and young people aged 12 and over
- Dose: One level 5ml spoonful (approximately 6g of powder) per dose.
- How to prepare: Dissolve in half a glass of cold water (approximately 100–150ml) and drink while still sparkling.
- Frequency: Up to twice in 24 hours if needed. Allow at least 30 minutes between doses.
- Maximum daily dose: 2 doses in any 24-hour period.
Children under 12 years
Not recommended without medical advice.
Elderly patients
Use with caution. Elderly patients with any degree of renal impairment should consult their pharmacist or GP before use due to the magnesium content. Use the standard adult dose if renal function is normal.
Important dosage notes
- Measure the dose using the spoon provided or a standard 5ml medicine measuring spoon.
- Do not take more than 2 doses in 24 hours.
- Do not use for more than 7 days without pharmacist or GP advice.
- Allow at least 2 hours between Andrews and any other oral medicines — antacids can affect the absorption of many drugs.
Precautions When Using Andrews Original Salts
Before use
- Check the expiry date on the tin lid and outer packaging.
- Confirm you do not have severe renal impairment before use.
- Review drug interactions and consult your pharmacist if you take any regular medicines — allow at least 2 hours between Andrews and any other oral medication.
- If on a sodium-restricted diet, consider the sodium content per dose.
- Do not use if pregnant without pharmacist or GP advice.
During use
- Measure the dose accurately — one level 5ml spoonful per dose.
- Dissolve completely in water before drinking.
- Do not exceed 2 doses in 24 hours.
- Be aware of the laxative effect from magnesium sulphate — plan timing of doses accordingly.
- Keep the tin tightly closed between uses to prevent moisture ingress.
Duration of use
- Do not use Andrews for more than 7 consecutive days without seeking pharmacist or GP advice.
- Frequent or recurrent indigestion or constipation that requires regular use of Andrews warrants medical assessment to identify the underlying cause.
When to seek medical advice
- Symptoms are not improving after 7 days of treatment.
- You experience difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or blood in stools — these require urgent medical assessment.
- Indigestion or constipation is recurrent and significantly affecting quality of life.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free consultations on digestive health and can advise on when a GP referral is appropriate.
Full Ingredients in Andrews Original Salts 150g
Active ingredients (percentage w/w in powder): citric acid 19.5% w/w; magnesium sulphate 17.4% w/w; sodium bicarbonate 22.6% w/w.
Excipients (inactive ingredients)
- Saccharin sodium — artificial sweetener that contributes to the sweetness and palatability of the dissolved solution without adding sugar
- Lemon flavour — provides the characteristic fresh lemon taste of the dissolved Andrews solution, contributing to its palatability and refreshing quality
This product contains significant sodium per dose from the sodium bicarbonate component. Those on a medically supervised sodium-restricted diet should consult a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before regular use.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included with the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
What Are Andrews Original Salts Used For?
Andrews Original Salts is one of the most iconic British over-the-counter digestive remedies, with a heritage stretching back well over a century. Sold in its recognisable tin, Andrews provides a gentle, triple-action effervescent powder that dissolves in water to produce a sparkling, lemon-flavoured solution offering symptomatic relief from two of the most common digestive complaints: indigestion and stomach upset on one hand, and occasional constipation on the other. It is a product that many British families have kept as a household staple for generations, valued for its familiar taste, its pleasant fizzing action, and its gentle but reliable effect.
Andrews Original Salts works through a combination of three active ingredients. Sodium bicarbonate at 22.6% w/w and citric acid at 19.5% w/w work together in a classic effervescent antacid mechanism — when the powder is dissolved in water, the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate react to produce a mildly alkaline, buffered solution that neutralises excess stomach acid, providing relief from the burning discomfort of indigestion, heartburn, and acid-related stomach upset. The effervescent action itself — the fizzing and sparkling of the dissolved solution — also contributes to the soothing, settling sensation that many people experience with Andrews. The third active ingredient, magnesium sulphate at 17.4% w/w, is a mild osmotic saline laxative. When dissolved and consumed, magnesium sulphate draws water into the large intestine, gently increasing the fluid content of the bowel and stimulating a gentle laxative effect that can help to relieve the occasional constipation that sometimes accompanies indigestion or follows dietary indiscretion. Together, these three components provide Andrews with its characteristic dual action — settling the stomach from above while gently clearing it from below.
Andrews Original Salts is presented as a loose granular powder in a 150g tin with a scoop or measuring spoon. The powder dissolves rapidly in half a glass of water to produce a refreshing lemon-flavoured sparkling solution. The familiar orange tin with its distinctive graphic is recognisable in pharmacy shelves and home medicine cabinets across the country, and the product remains one of the most trusted names in British over-the-counter digestive care.
Andrews is suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over. It is not suitable for those with severe kidney disease due to the magnesium sulphate content, and those on sodium-restricted diets should be aware of the sodium content per dose from the sodium bicarbonate component. If digestive symptoms are severe, persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by other symptoms, seek advice from a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist or your GP rather than continuing to self-treat. You can also browse our full heartburn and indigestion range.
How to Use Andrews Original Salts
- Measure one level 5ml spoonful of powder. Use the spoon provided in the tin or a calibrated 5ml medicine measuring spoon. One level spoonful is approximately 6g of powder.
- Dissolve in half a glass of cold water. Pour approximately 100 to 150ml of cold water into a glass. Add the measured powder and stir briefly. The powder will fizz and dissolve within a few seconds, producing a sparkling, lemon-flavoured solution.
- Drink while still effervescent. For best effect and the most enjoyable experience, drink the solution while it is still sparkling — the effervescent action is part of the product's soothing character.
- Repeat after 30 minutes if required. A second dose may be taken after at least 30 minutes if needed. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period.
- Replace the tin lid tightly after use. Keep the tin sealed between uses to prevent moisture from the air reaching the powder and causing it to clump or begin reacting prematurely.
Practical tips
- Andrews works most effectively when taken after meals or when indigestion symptoms first develop.
- The laxative effect from magnesium sulphate typically develops within 30 minutes to a few hours of taking the dose — plan accordingly if this timing is important.
- Take any other medicines at least 2 hours before or after Andrews to avoid absorption interactions.
- Keep the tin in a dry location — moisture will cause the powder to clump and lose its effervescent properties.
Andrews Original Salts Side Effects
Andrews Original Salts is generally well tolerated when used as directed. The following may occur with regular use.
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Loose stools or mild diarrhoea — this is the expected and intended laxative effect of magnesium sulphate; the degree of laxative action varies between individuals and with dose
- Increased wind or bloating from the carbon dioxide produced during the effervescent reaction
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Stomach cramps associated with the laxative effect in some individuals
- Nausea in some people, particularly with higher doses
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Hypermagnesaemia (elevated blood magnesium levels) with excessive or prolonged use, particularly in those with renal impairment — symptoms include muscle weakness, confusion, irregular heartbeat; seek urgent medical advice if these occur
- Electrolyte disturbance with prolonged excessive use
- Allergic reaction to any ingredient
Stop using and seek medical help if you experience:
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea or abdominal pain
- Muscle weakness, unusual fatigue, or confusion — may indicate hypermagnesaemia, particularly in those with renal impairment
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction — call 999 immediately
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store Andrews Original Salts 150g
- Temperature: Store below 25°C in a dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Tin lid: Replace the tin lid tightly after every use. Moisture from the air will cause the powder to absorb water, clump together, and begin the effervescent reaction prematurely, rendering the powder unusable and reducing its effectiveness. This is the most important storage instruction for Andrews.
- Do not store in a damp location such as a bathroom shelf — even small amounts of atmospheric moisture can affect the powder over time.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tin. Check the base of the tin or the lid for the best before date.
- Disposal: Dispose of any remaining powder responsibly. Ask your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist about safe disposal if needed.
Who Are Andrews Original Salts Suitable For?
Andrews Original Salts are suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over who experience indigestion, upset stomach, and associated digestive discomfort, particularly when accompanied by occasional constipation.
Suitable for:
- Adults and young people aged 12 and over with indigestion, heartburn, and acid-related stomach upset
- Those experiencing the occasional constipation that can accompany indigestion or dietary indiscretion
- People who prefer the familiar, time-honoured Andrews effervescent powder format for digestive relief
- Those who find the combination of antacid and gentle laxative action useful for managing both aspects of their digestive discomfort simultaneously
Not suitable for:
- Children under 12 years without medical advice
- Those with severe renal (kidney) impairment — magnesium sulphate can accumulate in those unable to excrete it efficiently, leading to magnesium toxicity
- Those with inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal obstruction
- Anyone with a known hypersensitivity to any ingredient
- Use as a primary antacid by those who need an antacid without laxative effect — the magnesium sulphate component will produce a laxative effect regardless of the reason for taking the product
Use with caution or seek advice first if you:
- Are on a sodium-restricted diet — each dose contains significant sodium from sodium bicarbonate
- Have mild to moderate renal impairment
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take any regular medicines — antacids can affect the absorption of several drugs; see Warnings section
- Experience frequent or recurring indigestion or constipation — ongoing symptoms warrant medical assessment rather than repeated self-treatment
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate digestive remedy for your symptoms.
Active Ingredients in Andrews Original Salts
| Ingredient | Percentage w/w in powder | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Citric acid | 19.5% w/w | Works alongside sodium bicarbonate in the antacid mechanism. When dissolved in water, citric acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce the characteristic effervescent action and a mildly alkaline, buffered solution. This reaction neutralises excess gastric acid on ingestion, helping to relieve the burning discomfort of indigestion and heartburn. Citric acid also contributes to the pleasant lemon flavour of the dissolved solution and helps to maintain the stability of the dry powder in the tin. |
| Magnesium sulphate | 17.4% w/w | A mild osmotic saline laxative that is not significantly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. After ingestion, magnesium sulphate exerts an osmotic effect in the large intestine, drawing water into the bowel lumen, increasing stool water content, softening the stool, and stimulating gentle bowel peristalsis. This gentle laxative action relieves the occasional constipation that often accompanies indigestion or follows overindulgence in food. The effect typically becomes apparent within 30 minutes to a few hours of taking a dose. |
| Sodium bicarbonate | 22.6% w/w | The primary antacid active ingredient. Sodium bicarbonate directly neutralises hydrochloric acid in the stomach, raising gastric pH and providing rapid relief from indigestion and acid-related stomach discomfort. It also reacts with citric acid to produce the effervescent carbon dioxide gas that gives Andrews its characteristic sparkling action when dissolved. The sodium content per dose from this ingredient is significant and should be considered by those on sodium-restricted diets. |
Andrews Original Salts Dosage — How Much to Take
Adults and young people aged 12 and over
- Dose: One level 5ml spoonful (approximately 6g of powder) per dose.
- How to prepare: Dissolve in half a glass of cold water (approximately 100–150ml) and drink while still sparkling.
- Frequency: Up to twice in 24 hours if needed. Allow at least 30 minutes between doses.
- Maximum daily dose: 2 doses in any 24-hour period.
Children under 12 years
Not recommended without medical advice.
Elderly patients
Use with caution. Elderly patients with any degree of renal impairment should consult their pharmacist or GP before use due to the magnesium content. Use the standard adult dose if renal function is normal.
Important dosage notes
- Measure the dose using the spoon provided or a standard 5ml medicine measuring spoon.
- Do not take more than 2 doses in 24 hours.
- Do not use for more than 7 days without pharmacist or GP advice.
- Allow at least 2 hours between Andrews and any other oral medicines — antacids can affect the absorption of many drugs.
Precautions When Using Andrews Original Salts
Before use
- Check the expiry date on the tin lid and outer packaging.
- Confirm you do not have severe renal impairment before use.
- Review drug interactions and consult your pharmacist if you take any regular medicines — allow at least 2 hours between Andrews and any other oral medication.
- If on a sodium-restricted diet, consider the sodium content per dose.
- Do not use if pregnant without pharmacist or GP advice.
During use
- Measure the dose accurately — one level 5ml spoonful per dose.
- Dissolve completely in water before drinking.
- Do not exceed 2 doses in 24 hours.
- Be aware of the laxative effect from magnesium sulphate — plan timing of doses accordingly.
- Keep the tin tightly closed between uses to prevent moisture ingress.
Duration of use
- Do not use Andrews for more than 7 consecutive days without seeking pharmacist or GP advice.
- Frequent or recurrent indigestion or constipation that requires regular use of Andrews warrants medical assessment to identify the underlying cause.
When to seek medical advice
- Symptoms are not improving after 7 days of treatment.
- You experience difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or blood in stools — these require urgent medical assessment.
- Indigestion or constipation is recurrent and significantly affecting quality of life.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free consultations on digestive health and can advise on when a GP referral is appropriate.
Full Ingredients in Andrews Original Salts 150g
Active ingredients (percentage w/w in powder): citric acid 19.5% w/w; magnesium sulphate 17.4% w/w; sodium bicarbonate 22.6% w/w.
Excipients (inactive ingredients)
- Saccharin sodium — artificial sweetener that contributes to the sweetness and palatability of the dissolved solution without adding sugar
- Lemon flavour — provides the characteristic fresh lemon taste of the dissolved Andrews solution, contributing to its palatability and refreshing quality
This product contains significant sodium per dose from the sodium bicarbonate component. Those on a medically supervised sodium-restricted diet should consult a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before regular use.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included with the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
FAQs
How does Andrews work for both indigestion and constipation simultaneously?
Andrews achieves its dual action through two distinct mechanisms working in parallel. The sodium bicarbonate and citric acid components react in water to produce a mildly alkaline, buffered solution that directly neutralises excess stomach acid on ingestion, providing antacid relief from indigestion and heartburn within minutes. Simultaneously, the magnesium sulphate component passes through the digestive system largely unabsorbed and exerts an osmotic laxative effect in the large intestine — drawing water into the bowel, softening the stool, and gently stimulating a bowel movement. The two actions are independent but complementary, making Andrews particularly useful when both symptoms are present together.
How quickly does Andrews work?
The antacid action of Andrews begins very rapidly after drinking the dissolved solution — most people notice relief from indigestion symptoms within minutes as the alkaline solution neutralises stomach acid. The laxative effect from magnesium sulphate typically begins within 30 minutes to a few hours of taking the dose, depending on the individual and the state of the digestive system at the time. The classic 'settling' sensation associated with Andrews is usually felt quite quickly.
Can I use Andrews purely as an antacid if I do not need the laxative effect?
Andrews will always produce some degree of laxative effect from the magnesium sulphate component, regardless of the reason for taking it. If you only need an antacid for indigestion and do not want or need a laxative effect, a product containing only sodium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate as the active antacid ingredient — without magnesium sulphate — would be a more appropriate choice. Your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist can recommend a suitable antacid-only option from our range.
Why must I keep the tin tightly closed?
Andrews powder is a dry, granular mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. When these two substances come into contact with moisture — even the atmospheric humidity in your home — they begin to react with each other, producing carbon dioxide and gradually losing their effervescent property. If the tin is left open or not properly sealed between uses, the powder will absorb moisture from the air, the granules will clump together, and the remaining powder may not dissolve and fizz properly when you use it. Always replace the lid tightly after every use and store the tin in a cool, dry location away from steam and humidity.
Is Andrews suitable for use during pregnancy?
Heartburn and indigestion are very common during pregnancy, but the suitability of Andrews in this context requires careful consideration. The sodium content per dose from sodium bicarbonate is a significant concern during pregnancy, particularly for women who have been advised to monitor their sodium intake. The magnesium sulphate laxative component is also a consideration. We recommend consulting your GP or midwife before using Andrews during pregnancy — they can advise on the most appropriate and safe indigestion and constipation management options for your specific stage of pregnancy.
Can I take Andrews alongside my other medicines?
Andrews can affect the absorption of a number of commonly used medicines, including some antibiotics (particularly tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones), iron supplements, thyroid medicines, and bisphosphonates. As a general rule, take any other medicines at least 2 hours before or after a dose of Andrews to minimise the risk of interaction. If you take regular prescribed medicines, speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before starting Andrews to identify any specific interactions relevant to your particular medicines.
How long can I use Andrews before seeing a doctor?
Andrews is suitable for short-term, as-needed relief of indigestion and occasional constipation. Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days without seeking pharmacist or GP advice. Frequent or recurrent digestive symptoms requiring regular Andrews use are a signal that the underlying cause should be investigated medically. Symptoms such as persistent indigestion, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, frequent vomiting, or blood in the stools require prompt GP assessment regardless of how well Andrews is managing the discomfort.