Gastrocalmin

Gastrocalmin is a dietary supplement used in certain conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia, reflux oesophagitis, with the role of relieving gastric hyperacidity associated with these conditions.

Gastrocalmin contains the active substances calcium and magnesium carbonate, liquorice extract and chamomile flower extract.

Calcium carbonate and magnesium play an important role in maintaining gastric pH and reducing gastric hyperacidity, alleviating painful symptoms and restoring digestive comfort. Calcium helps maintain normal digestive enzyme secretion. Licorice extract contains a large amount of flavones that have a tonic effect on the digestive mucosa, while chamomile flower extract helps to calm symptoms by having a spasmolytic and carminative effect.

Gastrocalmin is available in pharmacies in the form of chewable tablets. These tablets are manufactured by Naturalis and have a slightly minty taste.

One box of Gastrocalmin contains 30 chewable tablets.

It is recommended to take one or two chewable tablets of Gastrocalmin 15 minutes after main meals or as needed.

However, it is recommended not to exceed the maximum dose of five chewable tablets of Gastrocalmin per day.

If taken regularly and in a low dose, you should not experience any side effects. The most common side effect known to occur with Gastrocalmin is a laxative effect. This laxative effect usually occurs in people who have taken Gastrocalmin tablets for a long period of time and in large quantities daily.

Other side effects of using Gastrocalmin may include hypercalcaemia (elevated blood calcium levels) with an increased risk of kidney stones and gastrointestinal disorders such as abdominal pain. 

Gastrocalmin is contraindicated in people with known hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to any of the product's components. It should not be administered to children under 18 years of age.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is recommended that you seek medical advice before using Gastrocalmin as a precautionary measure. Gastrocalmin chewable tablets may be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only on the advice of a doctor.

Gastrocalmin is contraindicated in certain conditions such as:

• Hypercalcaemia (elevated blood calcium levels)
• Kidney stones (renal lithiasis) 
• Hypercalciuria (elevated calcium levels in urine) 
• Renal failure or sarcoidosis 
• People taking digitalis medication 

To date, no adverse reactions have been reported that interfere with the ability to drive vehicles and/or operate machinery.

As Gastrocalmin tablets interact with antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory or diuretic medication, it is recommended to be administered with caution to people suffering from high blood pressure, chronic pain or inflammatory conditions that require regular anti-inflammatory medication.

It also interferes with digitalis (antiarrhythmic) medication, iron-containing drugs and calcium channel blockers.

As alcohol consumption can aggravate gastric acidity and the symptoms associated with it and interfere with the absorption of the food supplement, it is recommended not to consume alcohol while using Gastrocalmin.

If you suffer from chronic diseases, are pregnant or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before taking Gastrocalmin. 

Both Dicarbocalm and Gastrocalmin are dietary supplements in the antacid category that are administered for heartburn and painful digestive symptoms associated with hyperacidity. Dicarbocalm contains 489 g of calcium carbonate, 11 mg of magnesium carbonate and 6 mg of magnesium silicate as active ingredients.

To find out which option is best for you, it is recommended that you seek medical advice.