Brand names Bioplex, Bioral
Used in the following combined preparation Pyrogastrone
GENERAL INFORMATION
Carbenoxolone was once widely used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers. However, it can affect sodium and potassium levels, which can cause a number of adverse effects, including high blood pressure and heart failure. Newer drugs lacking these adverse effects have now largely superseded it for the treatment of peptic ulcers.
The only oral preparation that is available in the UK is a combination of carbenoxolone with antacids used for oesophageal inflammation and the symptoms of oesophageal reflux. Carbenoxolone acts by stimulating the production of mucus and protecting the mucosal barrier from gastric juices. Carbenoxolone is also available in the form of a gel or mouthwash to treat mouth ulcers. When used in accordance with the instructions, side effects are very unlikely to occur.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, liquid, gel, mouthwash granules.
Frequency and timing of doses
3 x daily after meals and at bedtime.
Adult dosage range
100mg daily (by mouth).
Onset of effect
Mouth ulcers may take several days to heal.
Duration of action
Up to 12 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Do not take the missed dose. Take the next scheduled dose as usual.
Stopping the drug
When used for mouth ulcers, you can stop when the ulcers have healed.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Most of the adverse effects of this drug are caused by loss of potassium and an increase in levels of sodium salts in the body. This is unlikely to occur with the gel and mouthwash preparations.
INTERACTIONS
Antihypertensive drugs Carbenoxolone may reduce the beneficial effects of these drugs.
Digoxin Carbenoxolone may cause abnormal heart rhythms when taken with digoxin because of a reduction in potassium levels.
Thiazide diuretics may cause excessive potassium loss with carbenoxolone.
Astemizole and terfenadine Low potassium levels increase the risk of irregular heart beat with these
antihistamines.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Anti-ulcer drug
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes (mouthwash);
no (gel)
Available as generic No
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have heart disease. You have high blood pressure.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses adverse effects on the baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended.
Over 60
Increased risk of adverse effects. Reduced dose may therefore be necessary.
Driving and hazardous work
No special problems.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may aggravate the underlying condition and counter the beneficial effects of this drug.
PROLONGED USE
Gastric/duodenal ulcers Courses of longer than 3 months are not normally prescribed because of a risk of fluid retention and high blood pressure.
Monitoring Weight and blood pressure are usually checked at intervals during treatment. Blood levels of body salts may also be checked.
Mouth ulcers Used until ulcers have healed.
