Gaviscon Heartburn & Indigestion Relief
Gaviscon is a range of over-the-counter medicines that relieve heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion. It works by forming a protective barrier on top of the stomach contents, while some products also contain antacids that neutralise stomach acid. Gaviscon is available as liquids, chewable tablets and sachets. … Read More See less
See Gaviscon by type here: Liquids, Tablets & Sachets
How does Gaviscon work?
Gaviscon relieves heartburn and indigestion in one or two ways, depending on the product:
- Alginates form a protective layer that floats on top of the stomach contents. This barrier helps stop stomach acid travelling up into the oesophagus (food pipe), where it causes the burning feeling of heartburn and acid reflux.
- Antacids neutralise stomach acid, which helps ease pain and discomfort.
What is sodium alginate?
Sodium alginate is the key active ingredient in Gaviscon, and comes from brown seaweed. When sodium alginate mixes with stomach acid, it forms a thick, gel-like barrier that sits on top of the stomach contents and helps reduce acid reflux into the oesophagus.
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What is Gaviscon used for?
Gaviscon is used to relieve the symptoms of:
- heartburn
- acid reflux
- indigestion
- acid-related discomfort after eating
Symptoms of acid reflux include a burning feeling in the middle of the chest and a sour or unpleasant taste in the mouth.
What types of Gaviscon are available?
The main Gaviscon products are Gaviscon Original, Gaviscon Double Action and Gaviscon Advance. Their active ingredients and strength differ, so always check the label and patient information leaflet for the product you're taking.
Gaviscon is available as:
- oral liquid
- chewable tablets
- single-dose liquid sachets
Different flavours and pack sizes are available across the range.
What's the difference between Gaviscon Original, Double Action and Advance?
| Product | Active ingredients | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Gaviscon Original | Sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate | Mainly forms a protective barrier to reduce reflux |
| Gaviscon Double Action | Sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate | Forms a protective barrier and contains more antacid than Original to neutralise excess acid |
| Gaviscon Advance | Sodium alginate, potassium bicarbonate | Contains a more concentrated alginate to form a protective barrier |
What is Gaviscon Double Action?
Gaviscon Double Action contains more antacid than Gaviscon Original. As well as forming a protective barrier to reduce reflux, it neutralises excess stomach acid, which makes it a good option if you have both heartburn and indigestion.
When should you take Gaviscon?
Gaviscon is usually taken after meals and at bedtime. The dose and how often you can take it depend on the product, so always follow the instructions on the label or patient information leaflet.
Chew Gaviscon tablets thoroughly before swallowing. Do not swallow them whole.
Gaviscon can affect how well some other medicines are absorbed. Leave about two hours between taking Gaviscon and any other medicines you take by mouth, unless a pharmacist or doctor advises otherwise.
How long can you take Gaviscon for?
If you've bought Gaviscon without a prescription and your symptoms haven't improved after seven days, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
Can you take Gaviscon when pregnant?
Some Gaviscon products can be used to relieve heartburn during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Check the patient information leaflet and speak to a pharmacist, midwife or doctor before taking Gaviscon.
Who should speak to a pharmacist before taking Gaviscon?
Gaviscon is not suitable for everyone. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor before taking Gaviscon if you:
- have kidney or heart problems
- need to limit the amount of sodium (salt) in your diet
- have high levels of calcium in your blood or have had kidney stones
- take any other medicines
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- are buying it for a child under 12
- are not sure which Gaviscon product is right for you
Different Gaviscon products have different ingredients and instructions for use. Always read the label and patient information leaflet before taking a medicine, and do not take more than the recommended dose.
When should you see a GP about heartburn?
See a GP if you:
- have heartburn most days for three weeks or more
- have heartburn with other symptoms, such as food getting stuck in your throat, being sick often or losing weight without trying
- still have symptoms after taking pharmacy medicines
Get urgent medical help if you're vomiting blood or have black, sticky poo.
Medically reviewed by Ian Budd, GPHC number: 2037876. Last reviewed: .
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