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Carbex

Active Ingredient:
citric acid , simeticone , sodium bicarbonate
About Medicine
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Pharmacy
Healthcare Professionals (SmPC) Patient Leaflet (PIL)
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The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine.
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Last updated on emc: 24 Apr 2025
{pdf} View or print the patient leaflet as PDF

Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet (ePIL).

The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call emc accessibility on {phone} 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 05827/0024.

{printer} Print patient leaflet as text only

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 used for
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, simeticone and citric acid. Each sachet of Carbex® granules contains 1.26 grams of sodium bicarbonate and 42 mg (milligrams) of simeticone. 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 simeticone 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®.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your dentist, doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the UK Yellow Card Scheme (website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellow card) or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

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 simeticone 42mg (milligrams). It also contains the inactive ingredients povidone, mannitol (E421) and lemon flavouring.

Each 10ml bottle of the liquid contains 1 gram 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 Ltd
Building 1410
Arlington Business Park
Theale
Reading
RG7 4SA
United Kingdom

Manufacturer:
Apollo Ltd
Unit 1
Irwell Works
Lower Woodhill Road
Bury
BL8 1AA

This leaflet was prepared in April 2024

Nordic Pharma Limited
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Address
Building 1410, Arlington Business Park, Theale, Reading, RG7 4SA, UK
Telephone
+44 (0)1182 210 150
Fax
+44 (0)1182 210 151
Medical Information Direct Line
+44 (0) 1182 210 150
Stock Availability
[email protected]
Medical Information e-mail
[email protected]