Description
Overview
How does Gaviscon Original Liquid work to suppress heartburn? Gaviscon Original Liquid works by forming a protective layer on top of the stomach contents to physically prevent acid from travelling up the food pipe. The principal active ingredient is sodium alginate, which is a natural substance extracted from brown seaweed. When Gaviscon Original Liquid comes into contact with the hydrochloric acid naturally present in the stomach, the sodium alginate precipitates into a viscous gel. This gel floats on the surface of the gastric contents to form a neutral “raft”. This raft acts as a strong physical barrier that suppresses the reflux of acid into the oesophagus, which effectively stops the burning sensation of heartburn and the discomfort of acid regurgitation.
Gaviscon Original Liquid also contains sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, which act as antacids. These ingredients chemically neutralise excess stomach acid to provide immediate relief from indigestion. Because the mode of action is physical rather than systemic, Gaviscon Original Liquid provides relief that can last for up to 4 hours.
What specific symptoms does Gaviscon Original Liquid treat? Gaviscon Original Liquid is indicated for the treatment of symptoms resulting from the reflux of acid, bile, and pepsin into the oesophagus. These symptoms include acid regurgitation, which leaves a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and heartburn, which is the painful burning sensation behind the breastbone. Gaviscon Original Liquid is also effective for treating indigestion, which often manifests as bloating and upper abdominal pain. It is particularly useful for managing gastric distress following meals or during pregnancy.
Who Is It For
Who is Gaviscon Original Liquid suitable for? Gaviscon Original Liquid is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over. Gaviscon Original Liquid is widely recognised as a safe treatment option for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnant women often experience heartburn due to the physical pressure of the growing uterus and hormonal relaxants that affect the oesophageal sphincter. Gaviscon Original Liquid offers a solution that treats the mother’s symptoms without being absorbed into the bloodstream or affecting the unborn baby.
Usage Instructions
How to take Gaviscon Original Liquid correctly? Users must shake the bottle of Gaviscon Original Liquid vigorously before use to ensure the active ingredients are mixed evenly throughout the suspension.
Adults and children aged 12 years and over: The recommended dose is 10ml to 20ml taken after meals and at bedtime.
Why is taking Gaviscon Original Liquid after meals important? Taking Gaviscon Original Liquid after food is critical for its efficacy. The raft needs to sit on top of the stomach contents to prevent them from rising. If Gaviscon Original Liquid is taken on an empty stomach, the raft may not form effectively or may be emptied from the stomach too quickly to provide lasting relief. Taking Gaviscon Original Liquid at bedtime protects against nocturnal heartburn, which occurs when lying flat allows acid to flow back into the oesophagus more easily.
Warnings
When must Gaviscon Original Liquid not be used? Gaviscon Original Liquid must not be used by patients who are on a strictly controlled sodium diet, such as those with high blood pressure or congestive heart failure. This is because Gaviscon Original Liquid contains a significant amount of sodium. Patients with hypercalcaemia, which is high levels of calcium in the blood, or nephrocalcinosis, which is calcium deposits in the kidneys, should avoid Gaviscon Original Liquid due to its calcium content. Gaviscon Original Liquid contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate and propyl parahydroxybenzoate, which may cause allergic reactions.
Safety advice and potential interactions? Gaviscon Original Liquid can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics, specifically tetracyclines and quinolones. To prevent this, users should leave a time gap of 2 hours between taking Gaviscon Original Liquid and taking these antibiotics. Gaviscon Original Liquid should not be taken within 2 hours of iron supplements or thyroid hormones for the same reason. If symptoms persist after 7 days of treatment, the user should consult a doctor.
Alternatives
Common alternatives to Gaviscon Original Liquid? If Gaviscon Original Liquid is not suitable or a different strength is required, common alternatives include:
Gaviscon Advance Liquid: Contains double the concentration of sodium alginate compared to Gaviscon Original Liquid, making it the superior choice for stubborn, chronic, or severe reflux symptoms.
Gaviscon Double Action Liquid: Formulated with a higher concentration of calcium carbonate to provide stronger neutralisation of stomach acid alongside the raft formation, which is ideal for significant indigestion.
Pepto Bismol Liquid: Contains bismuth subsalicylate, which treats heartburn and indigestion but also targets nausea and diarrhoea, although it is not suitable for pregnant women.
Rennie Liquid: A calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate suspension that neutralises acid quickly but does not form the protective alginate raft found in Gaviscon Original Liquid.
