Gaviscon Syrup 120ml

About Gaviscon Syrup 120ml

Gaviscon Syrup Uses

• Heartburn (pyrosis) caused by stomach acid rising into the esophagus, producing a burning sensation in the chest.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presenting with chronic heartburn, regurgitation, and chest discomfort.
• Acid indigestion and sour stomach following meals or caused by dietary excess.
• Acid regurgitation, the sensation of acid or food rising into the throat or mouth.
• Heartburn during pregnancy, where lifestyle-safe relief is a clinical priority.
• Hiatal hernia-associated heartburn where mechanical reflux is the primary cause.
• Post-meal heartburn in patients who cannot or do not wish to use proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers.
• Adjunctive therapy alongside PPIs in patients with persistent regurgitation despite acid suppression.

Gaviscon Syrup Benefits

• Works within 3 to 5 minutes of taking the dose, providing faster symptom relief than proton pump inhibitors which require daily dosing over days to weeks to achieve full effect.
• Mechanism is entirely physical, not pharmacological, meaning it has no effect on stomach acid production and carries none of the systemic risks associated with long-term acid-suppressing drugs.
• Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding at recommended doses, making it the preferred first-line option for heartburn in pregnant Pakistani women.
• Can be used on an as-needed basis rather than requiring daily scheduled dosing, giving patients flexibility in managing intermittent symptoms.
• Effective for both acid reflux and regurgitation, whereas PPIs reduce acid but do not address the mechanical reflux of non-acid stomach contents.

What Experts Say

Gaviscon contains Sodium Alginate, a polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, that works through a physical mechanism entirely different from conventional antacids. When Sodium Alginate contacts stomach acid, it rapidly forms a buoyant viscous gel. Sodium Bicarbonate produces carbon dioxide that becomes trapped in this gel, causing it to float on top of stomach contents as a protective raft.

This raft acts as a mechanical barrier at the gastroesophageal junction, preventing acid from rising into the esophagus. It specifically targets the postprandial acid pocket, an unbuffered pool of acid that forms on top of food after meals and is the primary trigger of heartburn. A single dose maintains this barrier for up to 4 hours.

Because Gaviscon is not absorbed into the bloodstream and does not suppress acid production, it carries none of the systemic risks of long-term acid-suppression therapy. It is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, works on an as-needed basis, and provides mechanical reflux control that PPIs alone cannot deliver in patients with persistent regurgitation.

Drug Class

• Alginate-Based Antacid and Reflux Suppressant.
• Sodium Alginate: Gastrointestinal Raft-Forming Agent.
• Sodium Bicarbonate: Antacid.

Packaging and Quantity

• 120ml syrup bottle.
• Each 10ml contains Sodium Alginate 500mg and Sodium Bicarbonate 267mg.
• Measuring cup included with each bottle.

When Not to Use Gaviscon

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Sodium Alginate, Sodium Bicarbonate, or any ingredient in the syrup.
• Patients on a strictly sodium-restricted diet, as each 10ml dose contains a significant amount of sodium.
• Severe kidney disease, where sodium load must be carefully managed.
• Hypercalcemia or hypophosphatemia, as these conditions may be worsened by antacid components.
• Patients with difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), where underlying esophageal disease must be excluded before use.

Gaviscon Syrup 120ml formula

• Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate

Available forms

• Syrup

How to use Gaviscon Syrup 120ml?

• Shake the bottle well before every dose.
• Use the measuring cup provided to ensure accurate dosing.
• Gaviscon should be taken after meals and at bedtime, not before meals or on an empty stomach. The raft only forms effectively in the presence of stomach acid produced after eating.
• Do not dilute Gaviscon or mix with other liquids. A small amount of water may be sipped afterward.
• Do not take other medicines within 2 hours of taking Gaviscon, as the raft may reduce absorption of other orally administered medicines.
• The standard adult dose is 10ml to 20ml after meals and at bedtime, up to four times daily. Children above 12 years may use the adult dose as directed by a doctor.
• A doctor should be consulted if heartburn symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks of regular use.

Drug Interactions

Gaviscon is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream and has limited pharmacological drug interactions. However, the following should be noted:

• All orally administered medicines: The alginate raft can reduce or delay the absorption of other medicines taken at the same time. A minimum 2-hour gap before or after taking other medicines is recommended.
• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: These can interfere with raft formation. Concurrent use with other antacids should be avoided unless directed by a doctor.
• Tetracycline antibiotics and fluoroquinolones: Sodium Bicarbonate can reduce the absorption of these antibiotics. A 2-hour gap is required.
• Iron supplements: Antacid components can significantly reduce iron absorption. Iron supplements should be taken at least 2 hours before or after Gaviscon.

Risks and warnings

• Sodium content: Each 10ml dose of Gaviscon contains a significant amount of sodium. Patients on a sodium-restricted diet due to hypertension, heart failure, or kidney disease must use Gaviscon with caution and should inform their doctor.
• Not a substitute for investigation: Persistent heartburn lasting more than 2 weeks may indicate serious underlying conditions including esophageal cancer, peptic ulcer disease, or Barrett's esophagus. A doctor should be consulted for persistent or worsening symptoms.
• Pregnancy: Gaviscon is considered safe during pregnancy at recommended doses and is a preferred first-line option for pregnancy heartburn. The sodium content should be considered in patients with pregnancy-related hypertension.
• Breastfeeding: Gaviscon is considered safe during breastfeeding at recommended doses.
• Drug absorption: Gaviscon can reduce or delay the absorption of other medicines taken at the same time. A 2-hour gap before or after other medicines is essential.
• Kidney disease: The sodium and bicarbonate load from Gaviscon can be problematic in patients with significant kidney impairment. Medical advice should be sought before regular use in this group.
• Children under 12: Gaviscon syrup in the standard formulation should not be given to children under 12 without medical supervision.

Gaviscon Syrup Side Effects

Gaviscon is very well tolerated at recommended doses. Side effects are uncommon and generally mild.

• Mild bloating or flatulence, caused by the carbon dioxide gas produced during raft formation in the stomach.
• Nausea or mild stomach discomfort in some patients.
• Constipation or loose stools with prolonged use.

Serious side effects are very rare. Medical attention should be sought if any of the following occur:

• Signs of fluid retention including significant ankle swelling, particularly in patients with heart disease or kidney disease taking Gaviscon regularly.
• Severe allergic reaction including facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or widespread rash.
• Worsening of heartburn symptoms despite regular use, which requires medical investigation to rule out serious underlying conditions.

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C.
• Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
• Always keep the bottle tightly capped after use.
• Do not freeze the syrup.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle.