Biolab Belcid Forte Suspension

Biolab Belcid Forte Suspension is an oral liquid antacid suspension that combines three active ingredients: aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. It is manufactured by Biolab and listed on DoctorOnCall in a 240 ml bottle. The product is a white, milky liquid in which the solid particles settle on standing, which is why the bottle must be shaken well before each dose. The exact amount of each ingredient per 5 ml or 10 ml is stated on the product label, and that label takes priority over any general description.

Aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are classified as antacids, which are alkaline compounds that react with hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that changes the surface tension of gas bubbles in the digestive tract. The two metal salts are commonly combined because aluminium tends to slow bowel movement while magnesium tends to loosen it, so together they keep the effect on the bowel more balanced. The word “Forte” in the name indicates a stronger formulation than the standard Belcid product.

A small amount of aluminium and magnesium can be absorbed into the body, which is why people with kidney disease need medical advice before using this suspension. Antacids of this type can also change how other medicines are absorbed, so spacing the doses correctly matters. The suspension is intended for short-term use following the directions on the label, not as a long-running daily product. The DoctorOnCall pharmacist team can go through the label details with you before you order.

Shake the bottle well before each use so that the suspension is evenly mixed. Measure the dose with the measuring cup provided and swallow it directly, or chew and swallow any tablets only if the label says so. It is usually taken after meals and at bedtime, or as directed on the label or by your healthcare provider.

Do not take other medicines within about 2 hours of a dose unless a pharmacist has confirmed the timing, because antacids can reduce how well some medicines are absorbed. Close the cap tightly after use and wipe the bottle neck clean.

Adults: the usual amount is 5 to 10 ml taken 1 to 3 times a day, preferably after meals and at bedtime, or as stated on the product label. Children: only as directed by a doctor or pharmacist, using the amount and age limits on the label. Do not exceed the maximum daily amount on the label.

Do not use the suspension continuously for more than about 2 weeks without medical advice. See a doctor if symptoms continue, get worse, or come with weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or black stools.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze the suspension, keep the cap tightly closed, and keep the bottle out of the reach of children.

• Known allergy (hypersensitivity) to aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone, or any other ingredient in the suspension.
• Severe kidney impairment, because aluminium and magnesium can build up in the body.
• Low blood phosphate levels (hypophosphataemia).
• Undiagnosed, persistent, or severe stomach or abdominal pain that has not been assessed by a doctor.

• Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics such as doxycycline and ciprofloxacin: antacids can bind these medicines and reduce their absorption. Take them at least 2 hours apart, or as your pharmacist advises.
• Levothyroxine, iron supplements, digoxin, and bisphosphonates: the absorption of these can be reduced when taken together with aluminium and magnesium salts, so spacing the doses is important.
• Azole antifungals such as ketoconazole and itraconazole, and some HIV medicines: antacids can reduce their absorption, so ask a pharmacist about timing.
• Other products that contain aluminium or magnesium, including some laxatives: combining them can raise the total intake.
• No specific food interactions are known, but avoid taking the suspension together with large amounts of citrus juice, which can increase aluminium absorption.

• Shake the bottle vigorously before every dose, because the active particles settle at the bottom.
• Use the measuring cup supplied and rinse it after each use so that the next dose is accurate.
• Space the suspension at least 2 hours apart from other medicines, especially antibiotics and thyroid tablets.
• Take it after meals and at bedtime only if the label says so, rather than continuously through the day.
• Keep a note of how many days in a row you have taken antacids, so you can tell a doctor if you need them regularly.
• Close the cap tightly after use, and do not refrigerate or freeze the bottle.

Precautions: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Biolab Belcid Forte Suspension if you have kidney disease, heart disease, a low-phosphate or low-salt diet, or if you are taking other medicines, as the suspension can change how they are absorbed. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, get professional advice first. Children should only use it as directed by a doctor or pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose and do not use it continuously for long periods without advice.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor promptly if you develop difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, black or bloody stools, vomiting of blood, or severe stomach pain. Get medical advice if your symptoms last longer than about 2 weeks, return often, or are not controlled by the dose on the label. A pharmacist can also help if you are unsure about combining this suspension with the other medicines you take.