This write-up is about Gaviscon Suspension which is also known as Gaviscon Liquid. It is sold by Reckitt Benckiser. It belongs to the group of medicines called antacids which are used to treat heartburn & indigestion. The antacids work by forming a protective layer on the contents of the stomach.
The mechanism of action, Ingredients, uses, contraindications, dosage &al administration, Indications during pregnancy and lactation, side effects, and Price are further described in a subsequent section of the write-up.
What Is Gaviscon Suspension?
Heartburn (acid reflux) and indigestion both can be treated with Gaviscon Liquid. The way the medication works is by creating a barrier of protection that hovers above the contents of your stomach. By doing this, gastric acid cannot enter your food pipe (esophagus).
Gaviscon suspension is available all over the world as a liquid or in powder form it is an over-the-counter drug means you can buy it without any prescription. It is manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser. The main content of the Gaviscon Liquid is Sodium Alginate which is obtained from marine brown algae.
How Does It Work?
Gaviscon Suspension is an antacid and it works by forming a protective covering over the stomach contents while sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the acid of your stomach.
Ingredients
Each 5ml or 1 Teaspoon of Gaviscon Liquid contains.
Sodium Alginate..................... 250mg
Sodium Bicarbonate............... 133.5mg
Calcium Carbonate......................80mg
Indications or Uses.
Gaviscon suspension is often used to treat:
- Gastric Reflux
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Gastritis
- Dyspepsia.
Contraindications.
Generally, it is safe to use unless you are allergic to one of the contents used in the medicine. Don't take Gaviscon liquid or tablets with NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin because these medications can decrease their effectiveness.
Dosage and Administration
Administration
The best time to take Gaviscon Liquid is either after meals or at bedtime when the symptoms of reflex are worse.
Dosage
Liquid
Adults and children greater than 12 years
5-10 ml or 1 to 2 spoonfuls 4 times per day
Kindly follow your physician or Pediatrician's guidelines for the dosage of the medicine.
Note if you are taking Gaviscon Liquid for more than 7 days and your symptoms are not improving kindly consult your physician immediately.
Indications During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding.
Gaviscon Advance especially created for pregnant and lactating women is safe to use during pregnancy and lactation as it contains no sodium bicarbonate but you should avoid medicines during pregnancy to prevent any unknown side effects to your foetus.
Kindly take an expert opinion from your gynecologist before taking any medicine during pregnancy.
Side Effects
The most common side effects caused by the use of Gaviscon suspension include.
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating or gas
Interactions
Gaviscon may interact with some of the medication so avoid taking this medication within 2 hours of the Gaviscon suspension.
These include:
- Beta-blockers (Propranolol)
- Antibiotics such as Tetracyclines and Fluoroquinolones (Like Ciprofloxacin)
- Antimalarial (chloroquine)
- Levothyroxine (for hypothyroidism)
- Steroids (like Prednisolone)
- Iron syrups and Tablets (like ferrous gluconate)
Pro Advice 💡
- Skimmed Milk and cold Lassi are the best natural and healthy alternatives to Antacids because they act similarly as antacids do in your stomach.
- During Pregnancy eat small meals throughout the day while sleeping keep your head a little high.
- Do light exercises while you are pregnant it will increase your intestine's motility and prevent reflux and constipation.
- Do not swallow chewable tablets with water first chew them then you can swallow.
Price
PKR 124.79 Per Bottle
Other Alternative Medicines
FAQs
Q1. What is Gaviscon Syrup used for?
Ans. Gaviscon Syrup is an antacid that is used to treat heartburn and indigestion. These medications function by producing a protective layer over the contents of your stomach, while the other salts neutralize the acid.
Q2. Can I take Gaviscon on an empty stomach?
Ans. It is better to take Gaviscon after meals and at bedtime when the acidity is at its peak. Don't take Gaviscon on an empty stomach because it works by forming a protective layer over stomach content when you take it on an empty stomach that layer will not form and it decreases its effectiveness.
Q3. Is Gaviscon Syrup used for gas?
Ans. Gaviscon Liquid contains Alginic aid a polysaccharide that is obtained from marine brown algae when it is combined with metals it forms alginate compounds, these act as Antacids and anti-flatulent.
Q4. What is the best time to take Gaviscon Liquid?
Ans. Usually, the best time to take Gaviscon is after meals four times a day or at bedtime when the acidity is at its peak.
Q5. Is Gaviscon good for constipation?
Ans. No, you should avoid Gaviscon for constipation it is best for heartburn and acidity because the aluminum in the product can exaggerate your constipation drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.
Q6. When should you not use Gaviscon?
Ans. You should not use Gaviscon if you have a family history of kidney problems like stones or hypertension because of the sodium content present in Gaviscon
Q7. What is the generic name for Gaviscon?
Ans. Aluminum Hydroxide and- Banana
- Melon
- Apples
- Pears
- Coconut
References
Gaviscon Original: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions [Internet]. WebMD; www.webmd.com [Last accessed 30 October 2023].
Gaviscon: Medicine to treat heartburn & indigestion | NHS [Internet]. www.nhs.uk [Last accessed 30 October 2023].
Disclaimer
All information on the product's uses, dosage, side effects, formula, ingredients, indications, contraindications, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and whether it is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is based solely on material found on the internet and it is only provided here for general education and information purposes.
We can not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information we publish on this website. All of the information material we published is based only on FDA-approved literature and is not intended to replace expert medical advice. Always seek expert medical advice from a healthcare provider before starting to use this medicine.
Dr. Mohd Kamran Karim
I am a professional doctor and an enthusiastic blogger who completed his graduation in 2013 (MBBS) and currently working as a post graduate clinical fellow. I am a medical professional with desired clinical expertise, and I want to utilize my knowledge & writing to advise my readers on how to use prescription and over-the-counter medications to minimize any adverse effects.