carbonate reference
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(carbonate · DailyMed)
Registered South Africa · SAHPRA

BE-LAX SUSPENSION

LIGHT MAGNESIUM CARBONATE , MAGNESIUM SULPHATE

32/11.5/0611

What it does

Carbonate is used to help manage acidity in the stomach and can be found in various over-the-counter products.

Commonly used for: stomach acidity, indigestion, heartburn

Read more in plain English ↓

Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.

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Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.

Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.

Sourcing - Kenya only

Registration & product details

Registration no.
32/11.5/0611
Registration date
1999/08/20
Expiry date
-
Status
Registered
Active ingredient
LIGHT MAGNESIUM CARBONATE , MAGNESIUM SULPHATE
Dosage form
-
Strength
-
Pack size
-
Therapeutic class
-
RxNorm RxCUI
1544139
Manufacturer / MAH
-
Applicant / LTR
Gulf Drug Company (Pty) Ltd
Country of origin
-

Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:23:30 · updated 2026-09-16 04:00:52

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (South Africa). Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.

About carbonate

Carbonate is used to help manage acidity in the stomach and can be found in various over-the-counter products.

What it treats

  • stomach acidity
  • indigestion
  • heartburn

How it works

Carbonate helps neutralize stomach acid, providing relief from discomfort caused by excess acidity.

Who it's for

Adults and children experiencing symptoms of stomach acidity or indigestion.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About light

Light therapy is used to treat various conditions by exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of light.

What it treats

  • seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • psoriasis
  • eczema
  • acne

How it works

Light therapy works by using specific types of light to help improve mood or skin conditions.

Who it's for

Light therapy is for people suffering from mood disorders or certain skin conditions.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

Clinical monograph: carbonate

BNF-referenced

Carbonate is a polyatomic ion with the molecular formula CO3^2-. It plays a critical role in various biological processes, including the regulation of pH in biological systems and the formation of bicarbonate, which is essential for maintaining acid-base balance. Carbonates are commonly found in nature and are involved in buffering systems in blood and other bodily fluids.

Mechanism of action

Carbonate ions participate in buffering reactions that help maintain pH homeostasis in biological systems. They can react with acids to form bicarbonate and carbon dioxide, thus neutralizing excess acidity in the body. This mechanism is crucial in processes such as respiration and metabolism.

Pharmacodynamics

As a buffer, carbonate helps to stabilize pH levels in different biological environments, preventing excessive acidity or alkalinity that could impair cellular functions. It is involved in the transport of carbon dioxide in the blood and plays a role in maintaining the acid-base equilibrium necessary for physiological processes.

Pharmacokinetics

Carbonate ions are readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract when ingested and can be found in various body fluids. They are involved in the bicarbonate buffering system, where they are converted to bicarbonate (HCO3-) and carbon dioxide (CO2) through reactions with acids. The kidneys regulate the levels of bicarbonate and carbonate in the body, excreting or reabsorbing them as needed to maintain homeostasis.

Pregnancy

There is no specific information available regarding the use of carbonate compounds during pregnancy. Consult a healthcare provider for advice.

Breast-feeding

There is no specific information available regarding the use of carbonate compounds while breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare provider for advice.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: light

Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It plays a critical role in various biological processes, including vision, photosynthesis, and circadian rhythms. Light can be categorized into different wavelengths, with visible light ranging approximately from 400 to 700 nanometers. It influences numerous physiological functions and can have therapeutic applications, such as in phototherapy for skin conditions and mood disorders.

Indications

  • Vision correction
  • Phototherapy for skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, eczema)
  • Treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • Circadian rhythm disorders
  • Wound healing

Dosage

Children: Light therapy for paediatric patients should be approached with caution and always under professional guidance. Specific dosages will depend on the individual treatment protocol and condition being addressed.

Adults: Dosage of light therapy varies based on the condition being treated and should be tailored to individual needs, typically ranging from 15 minutes to 2 hours of exposure per day depending on the specific treatment protocol.

Mechanism of action

Light affects biological systems primarily through phototransduction, which involves the conversion of light into electrical signals within photoreceptor cells in the retina. This process initiates a cascade of biochemical reactions that ultimately lead to visual perception. In addition, specific wavelengths of light can interact with various biological molecules, triggering cellular responses such as the production of vitamin D through skin exposure to UVB radiation.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamic effects of light are highly dependent on its wavelength and intensity. Short-wavelength blue light (around 480 nm) is known to influence circadian rhythms by affecting melatonin secretion. In therapeutic settings, light can modulate biological responses, such as promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and alleviating symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) through bright light therapy.

Pharmacokinetics

Light does not undergo traditional pharmacokinetic processes such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion. Instead, its effects are immediate and localized, depending on the intensity and duration of exposure. The penetration depth of light varies with wavelength; for example, UV light can penetrate the skin and affect deeper tissues, while visible light primarily affects the surface layers.

Pregnancy

There is limited data on the effects of light exposure during pregnancy. However, excessive exposure to bright light can be harmful to both the mother and the developing fetus.

Breast-feeding

Light exposure is generally considered safe while breastfeeding, but excessive exposure should be avoided to prevent potential harm to the infant.

Storage

Light should be properly controlled and managed in environments where it is used, ensuring that exposure levels are safe and effective.

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

This drug in other countries

The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.