Eno: A Laxative Or Not?

Eno is an over-the-counter antacid brand that was first marketed by James Crossley Eno in the 1800s. The product is said to relieve indigestion, flatulence, and nausea. Its main ingredients are sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid. While it is not primarily a laxative, Eno's Fruit Salt was advertised as a safe laxative during sulphonamide treatment.

Eno's Fruit Salt is a safe laxative during sulphonamide treatment

Eno's Fruit Salt is an over-the-counter antacid brand that has been in existence since the 1850s. It was invented by James Crossley Eno of Newcastle and is currently manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. The product is sold worldwide and is a popular ingredient in Indian cookery.

Eno's Fruit Salt is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, and sodium carbonate. It is an effervescent compound made up of organic acids and salts, with added flavouring and sugar.

Historically, fruit salts were sold as a cure for a wide range of ailments, but today they are primarily used as antacids. They are also used to relieve acidity and its symptoms, such as gastric fullness, upper abdominal discomfort, and burning sensations in the throat, chest, and stomach.

Eno's Fruit Salt is safe to use during sulphonamide treatment. It is clinically proven to provide fast relief from acidity and is adapted for any constitutional weakness of the liver. It is important to note that occasional use of the product should not be a problem, but long-term regular use is not recommended, especially if one's blood pressure is already high.

It is an over-the-counter antacid brand

Eno is an over-the-counter antacid brand that provides fast relief from acidity and its symptoms. It is clinically proven to get to work in 6 seconds and helps balance excess acid in the stomach with just one dose. The product was first marketed by James Crossley Eno (1827–1915) and was initially a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid in water. Today, the main ingredients in Eno are sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid.

Eno is intended to be used by adults (including the elderly) and children aged 12 years and over. It is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. The recommended dosage for adults and children 12 years and older is 5 g (one 5 ml spoonful of powder) or one sachet dissolved in a glass of water. A second dose may be taken after 2-3 hours, with a minimum dosing interval of 2 hours. The maximum daily dose is 2 x 5 g, and the maximum duration of antacid use is 14 days unless advised by a physician.

Eno is not recommended for persons on a restricted sodium diet, such as those with hypertension or congestive heart failure, unless directed by a doctor. It is also contraindicated in patients with impaired hepatic and renal function and those with a prior hypersensitivity reaction to any of its ingredients. If there is no improvement in symptoms after taking Eno, treatment should be discontinued, and medical advice should be sought.

Eno is available in clear, flint glass jars containing 150 g of powder or in sachets containing 5 g of powder. The sachets may be sold individually or in boxes of 1, 10, or 12.

It is intended for adults and children aged 12 and over

Eno is an over-the-counter antacid brand that provides fast relief from acidity and its symptoms. It is intended for adults (including the elderly) and children aged 12 and over. The product is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. A single dose of Eno is 5g of powder (one 5ml spoonful or one sachet) dissolved in a glass of water. A second dose may be taken after 2-3 hours, with a minimum dosing interval of 2 hours. The maximum daily dose is two doses (10g). The maximum duration of antacid use is 14 days unless advised by a physician.

Eno's main ingredients are sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid. These react in the glass of water to produce sodium citrate, which has antacid buffering properties, and carbon dioxide, which facilitates eructation. A slight excess of sodium bicarbonate remains with a small, direct acid-neutralising contribution. Residual sodium and citrate ions are safely handled by the body and excreted by normal metabolic routes.

Eno is intended to provide relief from indigestion, flatulence, and nausea. It is not recommended for persons on a restricted sodium diet, such as those with hypertension or congestive heart failure, unless directed by a doctor. It is also contraindicated in patients with impaired hepatic and renal function and those with a prior hypersensitivity reaction to any of its ingredients. Treatment should be discontinued if there is no improvement, and medical advice should be sought if symptoms persist.

Eno is not a laxative, but it can help relieve constipation by increasing water in the intestines and making stool easier to pass. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and not to exceed the maximum daily dose.

It is not suitable for those under 12 years of age

Eno is an over-the-counter antacid brand that provides fast relief from acidity and its symptoms. Its main ingredients are sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid. While it is a safe and effective remedy for adults and children over 12 years of age, it is not suitable for those under 12.

The minimum age requirement for consuming Eno is due to the potential risks associated with its active ingredients. The product contains a significant amount of sodium, with each 5g of powder containing 0.85g. For this reason, persons on a restricted sodium diet, such as those with hypertension or congestive heart failure, are advised against using Eno unless directed by a doctor.

Additionally, the product's acid-neutralizing capacity may alter the absorption profile of pH-specific drugs taken concurrently. This can be unsafe for younger children who are more susceptible to adverse drug interactions.

Furthermore, while rare, severe acute overdoses of Eno may lead to sodium overload and metabolic alkalosis. Symptoms of these conditions can include restlessness, weakness, thirst, reduced salivation, dizziness, headache, hypotension, and tachycardia. These symptoms can be particularly dangerous for younger children and may require immediate medical attention.

Finally, Eno is designed to provide relief for indigestion, flatulence, and nausea. However, in some cases, it may cause minor gastrointestinal irritations, including belching, flatulence, and abdominal distension. While these side effects are typically mild, they can be more uncomfortable and disruptive for younger children.

For these reasons, it is important to follow the age recommendations for Eno and consult a healthcare professional if there are any concerns or questions about its suitability for a particular individual.

It is not suitable for those on a restricted sodium diet

Eno is an over-the-counter antacid brand that provides fast relief from acidity and its symptoms. It is clinically proven to get to work in just 6 seconds and helps balance excess acid in the stomach with just one dose.

Eno's main ingredients are sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid. Each 5g of powder contains 0.85g of sodium. This is important to note as it means that the product is not suitable for those on a restricted sodium diet.

Those on a restricted sodium diet, such as those suffering from hypertension or congestive heart failure, should not use this product unless directed by a doctor. This is because the excess or prolonged use of Eno may lead to alkalosis. In addition, acute ingestion of the neat powder may lead to gastric irritation, gas liberation, and possibly stomach perforation.

Therefore, it is important for those on a restricted sodium diet to consult a doctor before using Eno, as the product contains a significant amount of sodium per dose.

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