Can Gaviscon Help Reduce Your Heartburn?

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

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.

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 and esophagus (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 reduce symptoms of heartburn in people with acid reflux and GERD. For milder cases, Gaviscon may be used on its own.

For 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 acid reflux, Gaviscon can prevent heartburn by reducing stomach acids after meals.

Gaviscon Products and Ingredients

Gaviscon is available as a tablet or liquid in 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. 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

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 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 milliliter spoonfuls) four times daily. Follow with a glass of water. Shake the bottle well before use.
• Gaviscon Extra Strength liquid: Take 1 to 2 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 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.

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:

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

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.

Known drug-drug interactions include:

• Iron supplements
• Vitamin D supplements
• Synthroid (levothyroxine)
• Cytomel (liothyronine)
• Digoxin
• Chemotherapy drugs like Votrient (pazopanib)
• Tetracycline antibiotics
• Quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin
• HIV antiretroviral drugs like atazanavir, raltegravir, and elvitegravir
• Hepatitis C antivirals like Harvoni ((ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)

In many cases, separating the dose of each drug by two hours is enough to overcome the interaction. In other cases—such as with Harvoni used to cure hepatitis C or Votrient used for cancer treatment—you may want to find an alternative solution for heartburn, like a PPI, until therapy is completed.

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
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
  
• Allergies to any 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.

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.