Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow it WorksUsesIngredientsDosageSide EffectsPrecautions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How it Works
Uses
Ingredients
Dosage
Side Effects
Precautions
There are different types of Gaviscon available on drugstore shelves. While generally safe for use, Gaviscon may cause indigestion and other mild side effects. Gaviscon can also interact with certain drugs.
This article explains the benefits, ingredients, and usage of the antacid Gaviscon. It also describes the potential risks of Gaviscon and how to use the drug safely.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
How Does Gaviscon Work?
Gaviscon contains ingredients that help neutralize stomach acids. It also has other ingredients that create a foam barrier in the junction of the stomach andesophagus(feeding tube), helping displace acid.
Gaviscon starts working as soon as 10 minutes after taking it. The effects can last for up to four hours. In studies, the effects of Gaviscon tend to last longer than those of traditional antacids.
Gaviscon Uses
Studies have shown that Gaviscon may reducesymptoms of heartburnin people with acid reflux and GERD.For milder cases, Gaviscon may be used on its own.
For severe cases, Gaviscon may be used withproton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs reduce the production of stomach acids. PPIs like Nexium (esomeprazole) or Prilosec (omeprazole) are available over the counter, while others like pantoprazole require a prescription.
Gaviscon Products and Ingredients
Gaviscon also contains sodium bicarbonate and alginic acid. Sodium bicarbonate creates the foaming action, while alginic acid gives the foam a sticky, gel-like consistency. This gel-like barrier is what displaces acid at the junction of the esophagus and stomach.
Gaviscon has a chalky consistency and comes in different artificial flavors, including mint, butterscotch, and orange.
How to Take Gaviscon
When to Take Gaviscon
Gaviscon should be taken after meals and at bedtime. Taking Gaviscon on an empty stomach may make it less effective as it would be passed out of your stomach within about 20 minutes of the dose.
Taking Gaviscon after meals keeps it in the stomach longer, extending its action as food is gradually digested.
What If I Take Too Much?
Gaviscon is unlikely to cause any harmful side effects other than bloating and gas if you overdose.Gaviscon is also probably safe to take long-term.
It is important to note, however, that the long-term use of any antacid may mask the symptoms of a more serious problem.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderIf your heartburn doesn’t get better after using Gaviscon for seven days, talk to your healthcare provider. The same applies if you have heartburn more than twice weekly. There may be more effective options available.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If your heartburn doesn’t get better after using Gaviscon for seven days, talk to your healthcare provider. The same applies if you have heartburn more than twice weekly. There may be more effective options available.
Possible Side Effects of Gaviscon
Side effects of Gaviscon are uncommon. A 2014 study found no difference in side effects between people using Gaviscon and those given an inactive placebo.
If side effects occur, they tend to be mild but may include:
Some of the side effects are due to the taste of Gaviscon, which some describe as off-putting. Drinking a glass of water after a dose may help reduce nausea, indigestion, and belching.
Special Precautions When Taking Antacids
Gaviscon is not for everyone. People who take certain medications or supplements or who have certain medical conditions should talk to a healthcare provider before using Gaviscon.
Interactions
Gaviscon can interfere with certain drugs and reduce their absorption in the gut. By doing so, the accompanying drug may not work as well.
Some examples of known drug interactions include:
Who Should Not Take Gaviscon?
Certain people may need to avoid Gaviscon or use it with caution. Before using Gaviscon, tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:
Gaviscon is also high in sodium, so you may need to avoid it if you are on a low-salt diet. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding are generally advised to avoid Gaviscon just to be safe.
When to Call 911Heartburn is common when experiencing aheart attack. Call 911 or rush you to the nearest emergency room if you experience sudden heartburn or indigestion coupled with:Chest pain or pressurePain or numbness in the arm or jawNausea or vomitingCold sweatsLightheadedness or sudden dizzinessShortness of breathIrregular heartbeats
When to Call 911
Heartburn is common when experiencing aheart attack. Call 911 or rush you to the nearest emergency room if you experience sudden heartburn or indigestion coupled with:Chest pain or pressurePain or numbness in the arm or jawNausea or vomitingCold sweatsLightheadedness or sudden dizzinessShortness of breathIrregular heartbeats
Heartburn is common when experiencing aheart attack. Call 911 or rush you to the nearest emergency room if you experience sudden heartburn or indigestion coupled with:
Summary
Gaviscon is a popular, over-the-counter antacid used to relieve heartburn in people with occasional acid reflux or GERD. It contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate (which neutralize stomach acid) as well as sodium bicarbonate and alginic acid (which create a protective foam barrier between the stomach and esophagus).
Gaviscon is available as a tablet or liquid. It can be taken four times daily after meals and at bedtime. Side effects tend to be mild and may include indigestion, nausea, and belching. Gaviscon should be used with caution in people with kidney disease, a peptic ulcer, or trouble swallowing.
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