Carbex
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
CARBEX®
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
• If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist
In this leaflet:
1. What Carbex® is and what it is
2. Before you use Carbex®
3. How to use Carbex®
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Carbex®
6. Further information
1. What Carbex® is and what it is used for
The name of your medicine is Carbex®. It is presented as effervescent granules in sachets together with a liquid for administration (the granules must be taken with the liquid).
The active ingredients of Carbex® are sodium bicarbonate, simethicone and citric acid. Each sachet of Carbex® granules contains 1.26 grams of sodium bicarbonate and 42 mg (milligrams) of simethicone. The bottle of liquid contains 1 gram of citric acid. Carbex® is used during barium meal X-rays of the stomach to improve the image of the X-ray. When the granules are swallowed with the liquid, Carbex® produces carbon dioxide gas in the stomach. This makes the stomach larger which allows better coating of the barium to the stomach wall and helps to produce better detail in the X-ray picture. The simethicone prevents too much foaming in the stomach which may be caused by the carbon dioxide gas.
2. Before you use Carbex®
Do not take Carbex® if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the “Further Information” section below.
Carbex® contains methyl paraben (E218) and propyl paraben (E216) which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
Tell your doctor if you think you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Carbex® .
This medicinal product contains 15mmol of sodium (350 milligrams). To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.
Taking other medicines
There are no reported problems of Carbex® interfering with other medicines taken at the same time. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken, any other medicine - even those which your doctor has not prescribed for you, but which you may have bought yourself without a prescription.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
There are no reported problems when Carbex* has been given during pregnancy or breast feeding.
Driving and using machines
It is not known whether Carbex® affects your ability to drive or operate machinery.
3. How to use Carbex®
A doctor or nurse will help you to take Carbex® before your X-ray. The contents of one sachet of Carbex® granules should be placed on your tongue and then immediately washed down with 10ml of the liquid. It is recommended that the barium (for the X-ray) should be swallowed 30 seconds later.
If you think that you have been given too much Carbex®
Since you have been given this medicine by a doctor or nurse it is unlikely that you will be given too much. However, tell the doctor or nurse if you are worried that you have taken too much.
4. Possible side effects
There are no known side effects associated with the use of Carbex®. If you experience any undesirable effects, please tell a nurse or doctor.
5. How to store Carbex®
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not store above 25°C.
On the label you will find the letters “EXP” followed by some numbers. These numbers are the date when the medicine is no longer fit for use. Do not use this medicine after this date.
Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines which you no longer require. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. Further Information What Carbex® contains
Carbex® sachet contains 2.8grams of granules which contain the active ingredients sodium bicarbonate 1.26 grams and simethicone 42mg (milligrams). It also contains the inactive ingredients povidone, mannitol (E421) and lemon flavouring.
Each 10ml bottle of the liquid contains 1gram of the active ingredient citric acid. The liquid also contains the preservatives methylparaben (E218) and propyl paraben (E216) and the inactive ingredients saccharin sodium, orange flavour and purified water.
What Carbex® looks like and contents of the pack
Carbex® is presented as effervescent granules in sachets together with a liquid for administration. It is supplied as a pack containing one sachet of granules and one bottle containing 10ml of the liquid.
Carbex® granules are white with an odour of lemon.
Marketing Authorisation Holder:
Nordic Pharma Limited, Abbey House,
1650 Arlington Business Park, Theale,
Reading RG7 4SA, United Kingdom
Manufacturer:
Pharmaserve Ltd, Clifton Technology Park, Wynne Avenue, Swinton, Manchester,
M27 8FF, United Kingdom
This leaflet was prepared in August 2013