(carbonate · DailyMed)
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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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-09-18 04:32:31
About this medicine
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.
Clinical monograph: carbonate
BNF-referencedCarbonate 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.
Molecular reference: carbonate
PubChem CID 19660Molecular formula: CO3-2
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
- ACIDEX SUSPENSION · Pine Healthcare
- BONESTAT · Nextgen Pharmaceuticals
- CA-C 1000 SANDOZ · Haleon
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- CALCID-DENK · Ep Dis Kenya
- CALCIPLEX 250 MG TABLETS · Psm Pharmaceuticals
- BELL'S ANTACID MIXTURE ( Magnesium Trisilicate/Light Magnessium Carbonate/Sodium Bicarbonate 2.5%w/v/ 2.5%w/v/ 2.5%w/v 2.5%w/v) · Bells Sons & Company
- BHM MAGNESIUM TRISILICATE MIXTURE SUSPENSION (Each 5ml contains Magnesium Trisilicate/ Light Magnesium Carbonate / Sodium Bicarbonate 250mg/250mg/250mg) · Evangelist Temple Bryant Mission
- CALCID-DENK TABLETS (Each effervescent tablet contains Calcium carbonate/Cholecalciferol 1000mg/22µg) · Losan Pharma
- CALVION TABLETS · Medopharm
- CLEANSHIELD LIQUID SUPPLEMENT ( Sodium carbonate/ Sodium phosphate 0.49%/ 0.514%) · Allgone
- DRIVCAL TABLETS (Each tablet contains Calcium Carbonate) · Addii Biotech