Author: Unknown

Antepsin
Suspension
(Sucralfate)

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine. The leaflet provides basic information. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What's in your medicine?
The name of your medicine is Antepsin Suspension. It is a white or off/white sticky liquid containing 1 gram of the active ingredient sucralfate in each 5 ml spoonful.
In addition to the active ingredient sucralfate Antepsin Suspension also contains: sodium saccharin sodium dihydrogen phosphate, purified water, glycerol, E217, E219, xanthan gum, aniseed flavour and caramel flavour.
This medicine is supplied in white plastic bottles containing 560 ml.
Antepsin Suspension belongs to a group of medicines which treat stomach ulcers and inflammation of the stomach lining.

Product licence holder: Wyeth Laboratories, Huntercombe Lane South, Taplow, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 0PH.

Manufacturer: Wyeth Laboratories, New Lane, Havant, Hants PO9 2NG.

What does your medicine do?
Antepsin Suspension is used to treat ulcers in the stomach and upper small bowel and persistent inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). This medicine can be used to prevent bleeding ulcers in seriously ill patients in hospital.

Before you take your medicine
YOU MUST TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO YOU:
•	You are allergic to any of the ingredients.
•	You are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or are breast feeding.
•	You have kidney problems.
•	You are taking cimetidine or ranitidine (for stomach ulcers), digoxin (for heart conditions), phenytoin (for epilepsy), warfarin, or any antibiotic.
If you are taking any other medicine, be sure to leave a gap of about 2 hours between taking Antepsin Suspension and the other medicine. If you are taking antacids, leave a gap of at least an hour between taking the antacid and Antepsin Suspension.

Taking your medicine
The usual dose of Antepsin Suspension is two 5 ml spoonfuls to be swallowed when you get up and two 5 ml spoonfuls at bedtime, or one 5 ml spoonful four times a day before meals and at bedtime.

In seriously ill patients in hospital the usual dose to prevent bleeding ulcers is 5 ml to be taken orally six times a day. If antacids are required for the relief of pain in these patients the antacid should be given half an hour either before or after taking Antepsin Suspension.
The maximum daily dose is eight 5 ml spoonfuls (40 ml).
This medicine is usually taken for four to six weeks, but occasionally, treatment may be necessary for up to twelve weeks.
Your doctor may prescribe a different dose or length of treatment. If this applies to you, you should discuss it with your doctor if you have not already done so. Your pharmacist may also help if you are not sure. This medicine should not be given to children.
Do not take more of your medicine than is stated on the pharmacy label. In case of accidental overdose tell your doctor or pharmacist.

What if you forget to take your medicine?
Don't worry. Just take your last missed dose now and then continue to take your medicine as usual.

Things to be aware of whilst taking your medicine
Antepsin may not suit everybody. Some patients may have unwanted effects, although these are not usually serious and do not last for long. If the unwanted effect is severe or lasts for more than a few days, you should tell your doctor.
Unwanted effects may include;

•	Constipation or diarrhoea.
•	Indigestion, stomach ache or nausea.
•	Feeling sick, dizzy or unsteady on your feet.
•	Feeling drowsy.
•	Back pain.
•	Dry mouth.
•	Headache.

If you get a rash or swelling about the face or neck and shortness of breath, this may be a sign of an allergy and you should stop taking your medicine and tell your doctor immediately.
You should also tell your doctor or pharmacist if this medicine affects you in any other way.

Storing your medicine
You should not use this medicine after the expiry date which appears on the label.
Store your medicine below 25°C.
Keep this medicine in a safe place where children cannot reach it. Your medicines could harm them.
Return any unused medicine to your pharmacist. Only keep it if the doctor tells you to.

Further information
REMEMBER this medicine is only for you. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to others. It may harm them even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

Leaflet prepared: March 1995.