Rutacid 500 mg chewable tablets – for heartburn and gastritis

Rutacid 500 mg chewable tablets are an antacid containing hydrotalcite – an aluminium-magnesium compound that neutralises stomach acid.

According to the approved leaflet, it is used to relieve symptoms associated with excessive secretion of stomach acid: acid regurgitation, heartburn and inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) due to stress, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption or use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is intended for adults and children over 12.

What is Rutacid used for and how should it be taken?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Rutacid used for?

According to the patient leaflet, Rutacid chewable tablets are used to relieve symptoms associated with excessive secretion of stomach acid:

• acid regurgitation
• heartburn
• inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) as a result of stress, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

How is it used and dosed?

Usual dosage according to the leaflet for adults and children over 12:

• 1 to 2 chewable tablets (500–1000 mg hydrotalcite), 3 to 4 times a day – 1 to 2 hours after meals, at bedtime or when stomach complaints occur
• the daily dose must not exceed 12 tablets (6 g hydrotalcite)
• the tablets must not be swallowed whole but must be chewed well

• Take other medicines 1–2 hours before or after Rutacid.
• Duration depends on the type, severity and course of the complaints; if symptoms last longer than two weeks after starting treatment, be sure to see a doctor.

Special patient groups

• Children under 12: not intended for this group due to insufficient data on efficacy and safety.
• People with reduced kidney function, Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, and people on a low-phosphate diet: only lower doses and for a shorter time; avoid long-term use.
• People with diabetes: the medicine contains no sucrose, so it can also be taken by diabetics.
• Elderly: the leaflet gives no specific dosage; the notes on kidney function apply.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

Do not take Rutacid:

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to hydrotalcite or any of the excipients
• if you have severe kidney impairment – risk of accumulation of magnesium and aluminium in the blood with higher doses and prolonged use; long-term aluminium accumulation may lead to softening of the bones (osteomalacia) and brain changes (encephalopathy); with impaired kidney function the medicine is used only with regular monitoring of serum magnesium and aluminium
• if you have an abnormally low level of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphataemia), e.g. due to a low-phosphate diet
• if you have myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disease with fluctuating muscle weakness)

Precautions and warnings

• If symptoms are present for a long time or recur often, the doctor should rule out other diseases such as a peptic ulcer or malignancy.
• Treatment should not be continued for longer than two weeks without a medical examination and a precise diagnosis; with a gastric or duodenal ulcer the doctor will arrange testing for Helicobacter pylori.
• With reduced kidney function, dementia or a low-phosphate diet, avoid long-term use and higher doses.
• The medicine contains mannitol (E421), which has a mild laxative effect.

Interactions with other medicines, alcohol and food

Rutacid may affect the absorption, and therefore the efficacy, of other medicines. According to the leaflet, this is particularly important for:

• certain antibiotics – tetracyclines and quinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin)
• cardiac glycosides (medicines that improve heart function)
• H2-receptor antagonists (medicines for heartburn)
• coumarin derivatives (blood thinners)
• sodium fluoride and chenodeoxycholate (e.g. for gallstones)

Other medicines should therefore always be taken 1–2 hours before or after Rutacid. Taking it together with acidic drinks (fruit juices, wine) or effervescent tablets containing fruit acids increases the unwanted absorption of aluminium from the gut.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy, hydrotalcite should be used only for short periods and after consulting a doctor, to avoid exposure of the foetus to aluminium.

Aluminium compounds generally pass into breast milk, but because absorption is low, a risk to the newborn is unlikely. There are no published reports of harmful effects of hydrotalcite in pregnancy or breastfeeding, but there are also no specific studies that could rule them out.

Driving and using machines

Rutacid has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Possible side effects

When Rutacid is taken at the recommended doses, side effects are extremely rare and mild. The leaflet lists:

• with higher doses: loose and more frequent stools, vomiting, diarrhoea
• decreased phosphorus and increased magnesium levels in the blood
• allergic reactions
• with long-term treatment and impaired kidney function: possible aluminium poisoning with softening of the bones (osteomalacia) and brain changes (encephalopathy)

Suspected side effects can be reported to a doctor, pharmacist or the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia (ALIMS).

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• Overdose: if you have taken a higher dose, talk to a doctor or pharmacist immediately. Signs of poisoning after exceeding the dose have not been established; caution is needed in people with weakened kidney function.
• Missed dose: take it as soon as possible; if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue as usual. Do not take a double dose.
• Stopping treatment: always consult a doctor before deciding to stop abruptly.

Further information

• What causes heartburn and stomach acid?

For additional care and support with heartburn and reflux, see also the Heartburn (excess acid) category – products in this category do not replace the medicine you have been prescribed.

Composition, packaging and manufacturer

• One chewable tablet contains 500 mg hydrotalcite.
• Excipients: mannitol (E421), saccharin sodium, peppermint flavour, sodium starch glycolate (type A), talc (E553b), magnesium stearate (E572).
• Appearance: white, round tablets with bevelled edges.
• Pack: Al/PVC-PVDC blister of 10 tablets, perforated so that tablets can be separated in pairs; carton with 2 blisters (20 tablets).
• Marketing authorisation holder: Krka-Farma d.o.o. Belgrade. Manufacturer: Krka d.d., Novo mesto, Slovenia.

Storage

• Store below 30 °C.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children; do not use after the expiry date.
• Return unused medicine to a pharmacy that collects unused medicines.

Frequently asked questions

When is Rutacid taken?

According to the leaflet, 1 to 2 tablets 3 to 4 times a day, 1 to 2 hours after meals, at bedtime or when complaints occur. No more than 12 tablets a day.

Can people with diabetes take Rutacid?

Yes. The leaflet states that the medicine contains no sucrose, so it can also be taken by people with diabetes.

Does Rutacid help with gastritis caused by pain relievers?

The leaflet lists gastritis resulting, among other causes, from the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The medicine relieves symptoms; if complaints last longer than two weeks, an examination is needed.

Is Rutacid the same as Rupurut?

Both medicines contain 500 mg hydrotalcite, but they differ in manufacturer, excipients, approved indications and dosing instructions. Follow the leaflet of the medicine you use and do not combine them.

Sources

• ALIMS – Patient leaflet Rutacid, 500 mg, chewable tablets (November 2023)
• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics Rutacid, 500 mg (authorisation 515-01-05177-22-001, 16.11.2023)

Date sources were checked: 23 October 2026.