How does Gaviscon work?
Gaviscon is a type of medicine called a reflux suppressant.
Reflux is when stomach acid travels up your food pipe and gives you a burning feeling in your chest.
Reflux suppressants like Gaviscon contain alginic acid which is made from seaweed. Alginic acid makes a protective foam layer that floats on top of the contents of your stomach. This stops stomach acid moving up into your food pipe.
Gaviscon also contains an antacid that helps the pain and discomfort that having too much stomach acid can cause.
When will I feel better?
You should start to feel better soon after taking a dose of Gaviscon. The effect of 1 dose should last for around 4 hours.
If you buy Gaviscon, rather than having it prescribed by a doctor, and you do not feel better after taking it for 7 days, tell your doctor. They may want to do tests or try a different medicine.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Gaviscon does not usually cause problems when you take it for a long time. But tell your doctor if you need to take it regularly for more than a week.
Are there other medicines similar to Gaviscon?
Other medicines that work in a similar same way to Gaviscon include Acidex and Peptac.
These medicines are reflux suppressants. They also work by reducing acid in your stomach and stopping too much acid moving up into your food pipe. They generally work as well as Gaviscon. However, they may be given in different doses to Gaviscon.
Sometimes, if Gaviscon does not work or agree with you, your doctor or pharmacist may suggest another reflux suppressant. Like Gaviscon, you can buy Peptac or Acidex from pharmacies and supermarkets.
Are there other indigestion medicines?
There are a number of different medicines for indigestion and heartburn.
- Antacids include Rennies (calcium carbonate), Maalox and Milk of Magnesiaand magnesium carbonate. These relieve indigestion and heartburn by neutralising reducing the acid in your stomach. They work quickly and make you feel better for a few hours. They're ideal if youmay be better to use if you only occasionally get stomach acid problems occasionally. You can get antacids from shops and pharmacies and supermarkets.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Most PPIs are available on prescription only. They include omeprazole and lansoprazole. You can buy the lowest strength omeprazole and esomeprazole from pharmacies.
Can I take Gaviscon with a proton pump inhibitor?
If your doctor has prescribed a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as lansoprazole, to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces, you can take Gaviscon with it.
Is the Gaviscon I buy the same as on prescription?
Doctors can only prescribe some kinds of Gaviscon, not the full range available from shops and pharmacies.
Different kinds of Gaviscon contain different ingredients. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you get a medicine that suits you.
How do I stop taking Gaviscon?
Usually, you can stop taking Gaviscon without reducing the dose first.
If you've taken Gaviscon regularly for a long time, talk to your doctor before you stop taking it. Stopping suddenly may mean that the acid stomach contents come up into your food pipe and make your symptoms come back.
Will it affect my contraception?
Gaviscon does not affect any type of regular contraception including the combined pill.
However, it may reduce the effectiveness of one type of emergency contraception called EllaOne (ulipristal) if taken together.
It may be better to avoid taking Gaviscon a few hours before and after taking EllaOne, or use a different emergency contraceptive instead.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Yes, taking Gaviscon should not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike.
Can I drink alcohol if I’m taking Gaviscon?
Alcohol does not affect the way Gaviscon works, but drinking alcohol makes your stomach produce more acid than normal. This can irritate your stomach lining and make your symptoms worse.
Can lifestyle changes help heartburn and indigestion?
Making a few changes to your diet and lifestyle may help if you have problems caused by too much stomach acid.
It can help if you:
- keep to a healthy weight or lose weight if you need to – extra weight can put pressure on your stomach and make acid reflux worse
- try not to eat rich, spicy and fatty foods, and acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, salad dressings and fizzy drinks – these can make your symptoms worse
- cut down on caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee and cola
- drink less alcohol
- quit smoking
- try not to eat for at least 3 hours before you go to bed
- raise the head of your bed a little or use pillows, instead of lying flat