RENNIE PEPPERMINT ANTACID CHEWABLE TABLETS

Rennie Peppermint is a chewable antacid tablet containing calcium carbonate 680mg and magnesium carbonate 80mg per tablet, providing fast and effective relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, and dyspepsia . The dual-antacid formulation rapidly neutralises excess stomach acid, typically achieving clinically relevant pH change within minutes . Indicated for adults and children over 12 years, with a usual dosage of 1-2 tablets as required, up to a maximum of 10-16 tablets per day depending on regional guidelines . Suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when taken as instructed . Duration of treatment should not exceed 14 days without medical advice . Contains sugar (sucrose and glucose) . Not recommended for children under 12 years . Keep out of reach of children.

Description

RENNIE PEPPERMINT ANTACID CHEWABLE TABLETS

PRIMARY USES

1. Rapid Relief for Heartburn and Acid Indigestion
Primary Use: Provides fast-acting relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, and dyspepsia through a dual-antacid formulation of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate that rapidly neutralises excess stomach acid, typically raising gastric pH from 1.5-2 to pH 3 within 40 seconds and pH 4 in approximately 73 seconds .
How it helps: For the general practitioner and pharmacist, patients experiencing heartburn—a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by gastric acid reflux—require rapid symptom control. The combination of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate acts locally in the stomach and oesophagus, neutralising gastric acid through a direct chemical reaction that converts acid into water and other natural substances. Calcium carbonate provides a rapid, powerful, and long-lasting neutralising action, while magnesium carbonate enhances this effect. Both antacids are then eliminated naturally by the body without systemic absorption. For the patient, this means quick, effective relief from the burning discomfort of heartburn and indigestion, often within minutes.
2. Comprehensive Relief for Multiple Digestive Symptoms
Primary Use: Indicated for the relief of indigestion, nervous indigestion, hyperacidity, flatulence, upset stomach, dyspepsia, biliousness, overindulgence in food and drink, and indigestion during pregnancy .
How it helps: For the patient, this broad spectrum of indications means a single product can address various digestive complaints. Whether the discomfort arises from overeating, consuming rich or spicy foods, stress-related indigestion, or pregnancy-associated heartburn, the dual-antacid formulation provides targeted relief . The chewable tablet format allows for convenient use anytime, anywhere, with a refreshing peppermint flavour .
3. Suitable for Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Primary Use: Rennie Peppermint is considered suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when taken as instructed, making it a safe option for women experiencing pregnancy-related heartburn, a condition that affects up to 72% of women in the third trimester .
How it helps: For the obstetrician and midwife, heartburn during pregnancy is a common complaint due to hormonal changes and increased intra-abdominal pressure. Rennie’s local action in the stomach and oesophagus, without significant systemic absorption, makes it a suitable choice for symptom relief . Pregnant women should strictly limit their use to the maximum recommended daily dose and avoid concomitant excessive intake of milk and dairy products to prevent calcium overload . For the patient, this provides reassurance that effective heartburn relief is available during pregnancy when needed most.

SECONDARY USES

1. Management of medication-related gastric irritation: For patients taking medications that may irritate the stomach lining (such as NSAIDs), Rennie can be used to neutralise excess acid and reduce gastric discomfort, though patients should consult their healthcare provider regarding timing of administration to avoid interference with other medications.
2. Occasional relief for overindulgence: For patients who experience digestive discomfort after consuming rich, fatty, or spicy foods, or after alcohol consumption, the chewable tablets provide convenient, on-the-go relief.
3. Post-meal and bedtime protection: For patients who experience heartburn after meals or at night, the recommended dosing schedule—preferably one hour after meals and before bedtime—supports symptom prevention and relief .
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. BASIC IDENTIFICATION ATTRIBUTES

  • Device Type: Over-the-counter (OTC) oral antacid; chewable tablet
  • Brand: Rennie (Bayer)
  • Designation: Rennie Peppermint, Rennie Peppermint Tablets
  • Active Ingredients per Tablet: Calcium carbonate 680mg; Magnesium carbonate 80mgĀ 
  • Inactive Ingredients: Sucrose 250mg, glucose 250mg, peppermint flavouring, other excipientsĀ 
  • Available Pack Sizes: 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96 tablets depending on regionĀ 
  • Legal Classification: GSL (General Sales List) in the UKĀ 
  • Manufacturer: Bayer plc

2. TECHNICAL & PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES

  • Pharmacotherapeutic Group: Antacids, other combinations (ATC code A02AX)Ā 
  • Mechanism of Action: Local neutralisation of gastric acid in the stomach and oesophagus; calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate convert gastric acid into water and other natural substancesĀ 
  • Onset of Action: Rapid; neutralises stomach acid from pH 1.5-2 to pH 3 in approximately 40 seconds and to pH 4 in approximately 73 seconds (in vitro)Ā 
  • Duration of Action: Calcium carbonate provides a long-lasting neutralising action; magnesium carbonate enhances this effectĀ 
  • Acid-Binding Capacity: Not specified; typical for calcium carbonate-containing antacids
  • Suitability: Adults and children over 12 years; suitable for use in pregnancy and breastfeedingĀ 
  • Shelf Life: As per manufacturer's expiry date

3. PHYSICAL & OPERATIONAL PROPERTIES

  • Physical Form: Chewable tablet; white to off-white; peppermint flavour
  • Route of Administration: Oral (chewed or sucked)
  • Recommended Dosage: 1-2 tablets as required; preferably 1 hour after meals and before bedtime; maximum 10-16 tablets per day depending on regional guidanceĀ 
  • Duration of Treatment: Limited to 14 days; if symptoms persist, medical advice should be soughtĀ 
  • Storage Conditions: Store below 25-30°C in a cool, dry place; protect from moisture and lightĀ 
  • Administration Advice: Chew or suck tablets thoroughly; not to be taken with large amounts of milk or dairy products to avoid calcium overloadĀ 

4. SAFETY & COMPLIANCE ATTRIBUTES

  • Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to any ingredients; hypercalcaemia or conditions resulting in hypercalcaemia; nephrolithiasis due to calcium-containing calculi; severe renal insufficiency; hypophosphataemiaĀ 
  • Precautions: Use with caution in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment; hypercalciuria; rare hereditary fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiencyĀ 
  • Drug Interactions: Should be taken separately from other drugs, allowing at least 4 hours for eltrombopag and at least 1-2 hours for other medications (including antibiotics, cardiac glycosides, levothyroxine, fluorides, iron-containing products, phosphates, thiazide diuretics)Ā 
  • Side Effects: Very rarely hypersensitivity reactions; hypermagnesaemia or hypercalcaemia and alkalosis (especially with impaired renal function) causing nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, and muscular weakness; milk-alkali syndrome symptoms (ageusia, calcinosis, asthenia, headache, azotemia)Ā 
  • Pregnancy: Suitable for use if taken as instructed; pregnant women should strictly limit use to maximum recommended daily dose and avoid concomitant excessive intake of milk and dairy productsĀ 
  • Children: Not recommended for children under 12 yearsĀ 
  • Sugar Content: Contains 250mg sucrose and 250mg glucose per tablet; sugar-free variant availableĀ 
  • Vegan Suitability: Suitable for vegans
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

  • Do not exceed maximum daily dose: The maximum daily dose varies by region (10-16 tablets per day); exceeding this may lead to hypercalcaemia, hypermagnesaemia, or alkalosis, particularly in patients with renal impairment .
  • Prolonged use: Treatment duration should not exceed 14 days without medical advice. If symptoms persist or only partly disappear after 14 days, seek medical attention .
  • Pregnancy: Rennie can be used during pregnancy and lactation when taken as instructed. Pregnant women should strictly limit use to the maximum recommended daily dose and avoid concomitant excessive intake of milk and dairy products to prevent calcium overload .
  • Renal impairment: Do not use in patients with severe renal insufficiency. Use with caution in mild to moderate renal impairment .
  • Drug interactions: Rennie can affect the absorption of other medications. Maintain a 1-2 hour interval between taking Rennie and other drugs (except eltrombopag, which requires a 4-hour interval) .
  • Milk-alkali syndrome: Avoid taking with large amounts of milk or dairy products to reduce the risk of milk-alkali syndrome .
  • Sugar content: Contains sucrose and glucose; consider sugar-free alternatives for patients with diabetes or those monitoring sugar intake .
  • Sorbitol warning: Sugar-free variants contain sorbitol; excessive intake may have a laxative effect or cause diarrhoea .
  • Children: Not recommended for children under 12 years .
  • Allergic reactions: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any ingredients. Discontinue use if signs of allergic reaction occur .

2. FIRST AID MEASURES

  • Ingestion (overdose): If a significantly larger than recommended dose is ingested, seek medical advice immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, gastric discomfort, diarrhoea, muscular weakness, and in severe cases, hypercalcaemia or hypermagnesaemia. Call a poison control centre or emergency department. Be prepared to describe the product and approximate amount ingested.
  • Allergic reaction: If signs of hypersensitivity occur (rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing), discontinue use immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
  • Eye contact: If tablet material enters the eye, rinse immediately with plenty of clean, lukewarm water for several minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

3. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

  • Flammability: The tablets are not flammable. However, packaging materials may burn if exposed to open flame.
  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide (COā‚‚).
  • Fire Response: For small fires involving packaging, use an appropriate extinguisher. Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for fires involving burning plastics.