Rennie Spearmint Chewable Antacid Tablets (72)

Product Summary

Rennie Spearmint fast-acting tablets get to work within minutes to provide effective relief from heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux.

Each tablet contains two antacids - calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate - that work quickly and powerfully to neutralise excess acid in the stomach.

Directions

Read the package leaflet before use.

Adults and children over 12 years: Two tablets to be sucked or chewed, as required, preferably 1 hour after meals and before bedtime.

For heartburn, an extra 2 tablets may be taken between these times.

• Suitable for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Do not take more than 10 tablets a day.
• Children under 12: Not recommended.

Ingredients

• Each Tablet contains active substances: Calcium Carbonate 680mg and Heavy Magnesium Carbonate 80mg
• Also contains Sucrose (250mg) and Glucose (250mg), spearmint flavour, talc, povidone, saccharin sodium, magnesium stearate.

Warnings and Restrictions

• Always read the patient information leaflet before using it.
• Do not use if you have any allergies to any of the ingredients.
• Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have kidney problems
• Long-term use of high doses can cause high blood levels of calcium, especially in people with kidney conditions.

Taking other medicines

If you are taking any of the following medicines speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Rennie Orange Flavour because it can affect how these medicines work.

• Tetracyclines and quinolones (antibiotics)
• Bisphosphonates (used for the treatment of osteoporosis)
• Dolutegravir (an anti-retroviral medicine used for the treatment of HIV infection)
• Levothyroxine (a thyroid hormone)
• Eltrombopag (used to increase the number of platelets)
• Digoxin (used for some heart conditions)
• Thiazide diuretics (water tablets to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure)
• Fluorides (for preventing dental caries)
• Phosphates (for clearing the bowel before a surgical procedure)
• Iron supplements.

To maximise the benefit of all medicines being used, take Rennie Orange Flavour at least 4 hours before or after taking eltrombopag and 1 to 2 hours after taking any other medicines.

Storage

Do not store above 25°C.

Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Can I take Rennie daily for heartburn?

Rennie may be used as required, but should not be taken continuously for months at a time without speaking to a doctor. Taking too many antacids can cover up a more serious food pipe or stomach problem. If you require Rennie daily for more than 14 days, it is essential that you consult your pharmacist or doctor. They may need to see you for something like gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Also, taking high doses regularly can lead to an excess of calcium in the blood and, consequently, kidney issues if you suffer from kidney disease. It is preferable to treat the root cause of the heartburn rather than its symptoms.

What foods or drinks should I avoid when taking Rennie?

Some foods and fluids may worsen heartburn even when on Rennie. Big meals should only be avoided, especially in the evening. Citrus fruits (oranges), tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, fizzy drinks, and spicy foods may all cause acid reflux. Fatty foods and fried foods also slow down stomach emptying, thereby leading to more acid buildup. Beer, especially a lot of it, can irritate your stomach lining. Rennie does rapidly destroy acid, however, but dodging trigger foods may prevent symptoms from developing at all. Slow eating and not lying down after a meal can also help.

Can Rennie be taken with other stomach drugs like omeprazole or Gaviscon?

Rennie can sometimes be taken with other medications, but timing makes all the difference. If you are on medicines like omeprazole or lansoprazole (that reduce the formation of acid), speak to your chemist beforehand. Rennie works by neutralising acid in the stomach, while omeprazole works by blocking the formation of acid. Taking them together may be fine, but bring them separately so as not to overlap. If you are taking Gaviscon or another liquid antacid, do not take them at exactly the same time as Rennie. To prevent trouble, have other antacids at least 2 hours apart. Always ask a pharmacist if unsure.

Can Rennie relieve bloating or trapped wind?

Rennie is primarily to relieve heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion. They can sometimes be mistaken for bloating or trapped wind. Although Rennie might relieve the bloating when it's associated with indigestion, it does not disintegrate gas in the stomach or bowel. If your primary issue is trapped wind, a brand with simeticone (such as WindSetters or Infacol) may be more effective. For everyday bloating, try eating smaller portions, cutting out carbonated drinks, and minimising gassy foods (such as beans or cabbage). If bloating occurs frequently or is painful, have your pharmacist or GP investigate other causes.

Is Rennie appropriate for teenagers aged under 16?

Rennie is safe for children and adults over the age of 12. So teens between the ages of 13 to 16 years can usually use it safely if they use it as instructed. It is, however, not safe for kids under 12 unless on a doctor's recommendation. If a teenager is consistently having heartburn or indigestion, it might be worthwhile thinking why it is happening—e.g., diet, stress, other health issues. At times, symptoms may result from fizzy foods and drinks, speed eating, or slouching down after a meal. Consult a pharmacist if unsure what is suitable.

What will happen if I inadvertently take too many Rennie tablets?

If you inadvertently swallow a few more Rennie tablets, it will not cause any great damage, but you will get side effects like nausea, stomach pain, or constipation. Taking extremely high doses may lead to an excess of calcium in your blood, which can cause effects like fatigue, confusion, or muscle weakness. If either of you has taken more than the dose recommended (more than 16 tablets in 24 hours), ring a doctor or NHS 111 if they feel unwell. Keep medicines safely out of reach of children to avoid accidental overdose.

Does Rennie interfere with the absorption of nutrients?

Yes, using antacids like Rennie too close to meals or other medicines may affect how well your body absorbs certain nutrients. Calcium carbonate may reduce the amount of iron, magnesium, or phosphorus your body takes from food or tablets. This is especially important if you are taking iron tablets, as they may not work so well if taken too close to antacids. To prevent this, take Rennie at least 1–2 hours before or after these supplements. If you regularly use Rennie, your pharmacist may recommend that you have your vitamin and mineral levels checked periodically, especially if you are following a special diet.