Can Gaviscon Help Reduce Your Heartburn?

Gaviscon is an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid. It is used to treat or prevent heartburn in people with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

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.

How Does Gaviscon Work?

Gaviscon contains ingredients that help neutralize stomach acids. Other ingredients create a foam barrier in the junction of the stomach and the esophagus or feeding tube. This barrier helps displace acid.

Benefits

Studies have found that Gaviscon may reduce the symptoms of heartburn in people with acid reflux and GERD.

For milder cases, Gaviscon may be used on its own. For more severe cases, Gaviscon may be used with proton 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.

In addition to treating reflux, Gaviscon can prevent the onset of symptoms by reducing stomach acids after meals.

Ingredients and Product Details

Gaviscon is available as a tablet or liquid in both Regular-Strength and Extra-Strength formulations. The active ingredients aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate help neutralize stomach acids. The amount of each ingredient, measured in milligrams (mg), varies by formulation.

Gaviscon also contains sodium bicarbonate and alginic acid. The sodium bicarbonate creates the foaming action. The 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.

Usage

Gaviscon comes as a chewable tablet or liquid. Both are taken by mouth and have different prescribing information.

Dosage

• Gaviscon tablets (Regular and Extra Strength): Take two to four tablets four times daily. Chew the tablets thoroughly and follow with a glass of water. Do not swallow the tablets whole. 
• Gaviscon Regular Strength liquid: Take one to two teaspoons (5-milliliter spoonfuls) four times daily. Follow with a glass of water. Shake the bottle well before use.
• Gaviscon Extra Strength liquid: Take one to two tablespoons (15-milliliter spoonfuls) four times daily. Follow with a glass of water. Shake well before use.

When to Take Gaviscon

Gaviscon should be taken after meals and at bedtime. Taking Gaviscon on an empty stomach may make it less effective.

What If I Take Too Much?

Gaviscon is unlikely to cause any harmful side effects. Taking too much could cause bloating and gas.

That said, you should avoid taking antacids for more than one to two weeks unless directed to by your healthcare provider.

Special Precautions

Gaviscon is not for everyone. People who are taking certain medications or supplements or who have certain medical conditions should talk to a healthcare provider before using Gaviscon.

Before You Take Gaviscon

Before you take Gaviscon, make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. Remember that Gaviscon and other antacids can mask the symptoms of certain medical conditions, some of them serious. If your heartburn doesn't get better after you've been taking Gaviscon for seven days, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Precautions With Other Medications

Gaviscon may interact with vitamin D and thyroid hormones, decreasing their absorption in the gut. To avoid interactions, let your healthcare provider know about any medications you take, whether they are prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional, herbal, or recreational.

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:

• Kidney disease
• Peptic ulcer
• Difficulty swallowing
  
• Allergies to any of the ingredients in Gaviscon

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.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects of Gaviscon are uncommon. In fact, 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:

• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Belching
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Metallic taste
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Some of the side effects are due to the taste of Gaviscon, which some people describe as off-putting. Drinking a glass of water after a dose may help reduce nausea, indigestion and, belching.

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, and sodium bicarbonate and alginic acid, which creates 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.