Gaviscon Liquid and Tablets: Ingredients, Uses, Dosage, Side Effects
Gaviscon is a fast-acting antacid that can lower the acidity of stomach acid. It is used for the treatment of heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, or upset stomach. Gaviscon is also used to provide temporary relief from heartburn and acid indigestion caused by acid reflux. Having acid reflux and heartburn more than twice a week may indicate GERD. Researchers estimate that about 20 percent of people in the United States have GERD.
Gaviscon works by forming a protective layer that floats on top of the contents of your stomach. This stops stomach acid from escaping up into your food pipe. Gaviscon also contains an antacid that neutralizes excess stomach acid and reduces pain and discomfort.
Gaviscon Liquid and Tablets come in several varieties (in bottles or in sachets). It also comes as a powder for babies and children under 2 years old.
Gaviscon Liquid
Extra Strength Cherry
Active Ingredient (in each 5 ml teaspoonful): Aluminum hydroxide 254mg. Magnesium carbonate 237.5mg
Inactive ingredients: Benzyl alcohol, edetate disodium, flavor glycerin, saccharin sodium, simethicone emulsion, sodium alginate, sorbitol solution, water, xanthan gum.
Other Information: Each teaspoon (5ml) contains: magnesium 80mg, sodium 14mg. Store at up to 25°C (77°F), avoid freezing.
Gaviscon Extra Strength Mint
Active Ingredient (in each 5 ml teaspoonful): Aluminum hydroxide 254mg. Magnesium carbonate 237.5mg
Inactive ingredients: Benzyl alcohol, edetate disodium, flavor, glycerin, saccharin sodium, simethicone emulsion, sodium alginate, sorbitol solution, water, xantham gum.
Other Information: Each teaspoon (5ml) contains: magnesium 80mg, sodium 14mg. Store at up to 25°C (77°F), avoid freezing.
Gaviscon Tablets
Gaviscon Extra Strength Cherry
Active Ingredient (in each tablet): Aluminum hydroxide 160mg. Magnesium carbonate 105mg
Inactive ingredients: Acesulfame k, alginic acid, artificial flavor, calcium stearate, corn starch, corn syrup solids, mannitol, sodium bicarbonate, stearic acid, sucrose.
Other Information: Each tablet contains: magnesium 35mg, sodium 20mg. Store at up to 25°C (77°F) in a dry place
Gaviscon® Extra Strength Original
Active Ingredient (in each tablet): Aluminum hydroxide 160mg. Magnesium carbonate 105mg
Inactive ingredients: Alginic acid, calcium stearate, flavor, sodium bicarbonate, and sucrose. May contain stearic acid. Contains sorbitol or mannitol. May contain starch.
Other Information: Each tablet contains: magnesium 35mg, sodium 20mg.
Gaviscon Double Action
Active ingredients: Each 10ml of oral suspension contains 500 mg sodium alginate, 213mg sodium bicarbonate, and 325mg calcium carbonate as the active ingredients. This product is sugar-free and gluten-free.
What’s the difference between Gaviscon and Gaviscon Double Action?
The sodium alginate in Gaviscon Double Strength acts as a ‘raft’ that forms over the contents of your stomach to help relieve reflux. It’s called Gaviscon Double Strength for a reason, as it contains double the concentration of sodium alginate compared with Gaviscon Original so you only need to take half as much.
Who can and cannot take Gaviscon?
Gaviscon can be taken by most adults and children aged 12 and over.
If your baby or child has problems with reflux or indigestion, talk to your doctor as soon as you can. Only treat them with Gaviscon if their doctor prescribes it.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
- Ever had an allergic reaction to Gaviscon or any other medicines
- Been advised to eat a low calcium or low salt (low sodium) diet
- Kidney or heart disease
- A rare, inherited illness called phenylketonuria
- Low levels of phosphate in your blood.
How to take Gaviscon
Liquid
• Shake well.
• Take 2-4 teaspoonfuls 4x a day or as directed by a doctor.
• Take after meals or at bedtime.
• Dispense product only by spoon or another measuring device.
Tablets
• Do not swallow tablets whole.
• Chew 2-4 tablets after meals and at bedtime as needed (up to 4x a day), or as directed by a doctor. For best results, follow by a half glass of water or other liquid.
• Do not take more than 16 tablets in 24 hours.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Gaviscon is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Gaviscon?
Like other antacids, Gaviscon can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take including antibiotics.
How long does it take for Gaviscon to work?
Gaviscon Original Liquid and Gaviscon Dual Action Liquid start to provide soothing relief from the symptoms of heartburn in as little as 4 minutes.*
What are the possible side effects of Gaviscon?
Gaviscon can cause the following side effects:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
If these symptoms persist or become severe, notify your doctor. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
The magnesium in this product can cause diarrhea. Using an antacid that contains only aluminum along with this product can help control diarrhea. The aluminum in this product can cause constipation. To minimize constipation, drink plenty of fluids and exercise. Diarrhea is more common with this product than constipation.
Aluminum-containing antacids bind to phosphate, an important body chemical in the gut. This can cause low phosphate levels, especially if you use this medication in large doses and for a long time. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low phosphate: loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, muscle weakness.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects or symptoms of a serious medical problem occur:
- Black or tarry stools
- Shallow breathing
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Mood changes (e.g., confusion)
- Deep sleep
- Pain with urination
- Abdominal pain
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
What medications can interact with Gaviscon?
Medications that have mild interactions with Gaviscon can include:
- ascorbic acid
- aspirin
- aspirin rectal
- aspirin/citric acid/sodium bicarbonate
- balsalazide
- blessed thistle
- choline magnesium trisalicylate
- chromium
- devil’s claw
- diflunisal
- mesalamine
- rose hips
- salicylates (non-ASA)
- salsalate
- strontium ranelate
- sucralfate
- sulfasalazine
- Willow bark
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.
