Winwa Povil Antacid Mixture

Winwa Povil Antacid Mixture is an over-the-counter oral suspension manufactured by Winwa Medical Sdn Bhd, supplied in a 100ml bottle. Each 5ml dose combines magnesium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate, three antacid compounds from the same general class that are commonly combined in Malaysian OTC digestive mixtures.

As an OTC preparation, it is registered for sale in Malaysia without a doctor’s prescription and is supplied as a ready-to-take liquid rather than a tablet or chewable format, which some people find easier to dose accurately with the measuring spoon provided.

Shake the bottle well before each use. Measure the dose using the measuring spoon or cup provided and swallow directly; do not dilute unless advised otherwise by a pharmacist. Take after meals and before bedtime as needed, and avoid taking other oral medicines within 1 to 2 hours of this mixture.

Adults and children aged 12 years and above: 5 to 10ml after meals and before bedtime, up to 4 times a day, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Not recommended for children under 12 years without medical advice. If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose, in which case skip the missed dose rather than doubling up.

Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight. Close the cap tightly after each use and keep out of reach and sight of children.

• Common: Bloating or a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
• Common: Mild constipation, more often linked to the aluminium hydroxide component.
• Common: Occasional diarrhoea, more often linked to the magnesium hydroxide component.
• Serious: Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling or difficulty breathing, which require immediate medical attention.
• Serious: Symptoms of high magnesium or aluminium levels (unusual muscle weakness or confusion) in people with kidney problems, which need prompt medical review.

• Known hypersensitivity to magnesium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, or any other ingredient in the formulation.
• Not suitable for individuals with severe kidney impairment without medical advice, as magnesium and aluminium can accumulate.
• Not recommended for people on a strict sodium-restricted diet without checking with a doctor, due to the sodium bicarbonate content.

• This mixture can reduce the absorption of many other oral medicines, including certain antibiotics (such as tetracyclines and quinolones), iron supplements, and some heart medicines; leave a gap of at least 1 to 2 hours between doses.
• The aluminium and magnesium hydroxide components may interact with medicines that depend on stomach acid for absorption, altering their effectiveness.
• No specific food interactions have been reported; taking the mixture after meals is a directions-for-use recommendation rather than an interaction concern.

• Shake well before every dose to keep the suspension evenly mixed.
• Use the measuring spoon or cup provided rather than an everyday spoon.
• Space this mixture at least 1 to 2 hours apart from other oral medicines.
• Keep track of how many doses are taken per day to avoid exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours.
• Close the cap firmly and store upright after use.
• Check with a pharmacist before combining with other digestive products.

Precautions: Use with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist first. People with kidney problems, heart conditions requiring sodium restriction, or those on long-term medication should check with a healthcare professional before regular use.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, if you notice black stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or if bloating and constipation become severe or persistent.