It's best to take it after meals and at bedtime. This is usually when the pain and discomfort is at its worst. But if your doctor has prescribed Gaviscon, take it when they tell you to. Chew the tablets, do not swallow them whole.
Although Gaviscon® can be taken anytime you have acid reflux or heartburn, it's best to avoid taking Gaviscon® before a meal. Since it forms a foam barrier that sits on top of stomach acid, the food passing through the esophagus (throat) into the stomach can disrupt this barrier and compromise its effectiveness.
Can I drink water after taking Gaviscon? You can drink water as soon as your symptoms subside (hopefully after thirty minutes).
When should the medicine start working? Gaviscon should help to stop an reflux after about 30 minutes.
If you are taking the chewable tablets, chew thoroughly before swallowing, then drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before pouring each dose. Refrigerating the suspension may improve the flavor.
How and when to take Gaviscon. You'll usually take Gaviscon tablets and liquid up to 4 times a day. It's best to take it after meals and at bedtime. This is usually when the pain and discomfort is at its worst.
If you use antacids (such as Tums, Rolaids, Gaviscon) take these 30 minutes after meals and if needed, 3 hours after meals. Never take antacids at the same time as an H2-antagonist or Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) medication. When prescribed, these medications should be taken before meals.
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.
Gaviscon Syrup is better than antacids. It is used to treat acidity and indigestion, provides quick and lasting relief, treats heartburn and gas troubles such as bloating and belching.
Gaviscon+ is the only antacid product that provides fast-acting, long-lasting heartburn relief. It quickly neutralizes stomach acid and helps keep acid down for hours.
decreased kidney function. diarrhea. low amount of phosphate in the blood. hemorrhoids.
Acid reflux is caused by weakness or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (valve). Normally this valve closes tightly after food enters your stomach. If it relaxes when it shouldn't, your stomach contents rise back up into the esophagus. Stomach acids flow back up into the esophagus, causing reflux.
Lemon water. Lemon juice is generally considered very acidic, but a small amount of lemon juice mixed with warm water and honey has an alkalizing effect that neutralizes stomach acid. Also, honey has natural antioxidants, which protect the health of cells.
Antacids, such as TUMS, Rolaids, and Maalox, neutralize the acid that has already been produced in your stomach. They act fast, usually within 5 minutes, but they only last for 30 to 60 minutes, says Dr. Zhou, so they are best for immediate relief when you're experiencing mild heartburn after a meal.
Heartburn occurring more than twice per week is a symptom of GERD and may require stronger or prescription medications. Persistent heartburn can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as Barrett's esophagus, hiatal hernia, or esophageal cancer.
Gaviscon side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Common side effects may include diarrhea.
Metabolic side effects have included hypophosphatemia with the use of aluminum hydroxide. In patients on long-term aluminum hydroxide therapy, especially in association with poor diets, hypophosphatemia may result in muscle weakness, rhabdomyolysis, hemolysis, and encephalopathy.
Acid reflux can cause a burning sensation in the throat and chest. Drinking water, low fat milk, and herbal teas may help manage it. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and sodas may worsen symptoms, however.
Gastritis Treatment Medications
These contain containing aluminum and magnesium and can help relieve neutralize gastric acid. These are inexpensive and relatively safe. Examples include: Alka-Seltzer, Milk of Magnesia, Gaviscon, Pepto-Bismol and Tums.
This product may react with other medications (including digoxin, iron, pazopanib, tetracycline antibiotics, quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin), preventing them from being fully absorbed by your body. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to schedule your medications to prevent this problem.
Those with kidney and liver diseases, having heart problems, or high blood pressure should avoid antacids as some contain high levels of sodium, which could make you feel unwell.
Conclusion. In a general practice setting for patients complaining of moderate heartburn, Gaviscon® (4 × 10 mL/day) is an effective short-term treatment option in mild-to-moderate GERD, in terms of onset of a first 24-h heartburn-free period after initial dosing.