Pharmacology
The liquid, or tablets when chewed, form a viscous foam barrier (alginate raft) which floats on stomach contents, acting as a physical barrier that prevents gastric acid from reaching the esophagus, preventing acid reflux.
Indications
For day and nighttime relief of heartburn and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Suitable for concomittant use with proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists for the treatment of breakthrough symptoms.
Precautions
For patients on severely restricted sodium diets it should be noted that each 5 mL of liquid contains approximately 53 mg of Na+, each regular strength tablet contains approximately 22 mg of Na+, and each extra strength tablet contains approximately 35 mg of Na+.
The cations of magnesium and aluminum interfere with the absorption of tetracycline, iron and phosphate. In addition, oral magnesium may accumulate in the plasma of patients with impaired renal function, thus individuals with kidney ailments should consult a physician prior to taking this product. A physician should be consulted if symptoms persist for more than two weeks or recur.
Supplied
Each round, creamy-white, peppermint, fruit, or butterscotch-flavored tablet contains: alginic acid 200 mg and magnesium carbonate 40 mg. Bottles of 100. Fruit-flavor also in bottles of 40.
Each round, creamy-white, Icy Mint with cooling action or Berry-flavored tablet contains: alginic acid 360 mg and magnesium carbonate 72 mg. Cartons of 18 tablets in Single-Dose Portable Packs.
Each round, creamy-white, peppermint, fruit, butterscotch, strawberry, orange burst, and milk chocolate-flavored tablet contains: alginic acid 313 mg and magnesium carbonate 63 mg. Bottles of 60. Fruit-flavor also in bottles of 25 and 120.
Each 5 mL of a light tan-colored, pleasantly fruit-flavored suspension or cream-colored, mint-flavored suspension contains: sodium alginate 250 mg and aluminum hydroxide 100 mg. Plastic bottles of 340 and 600 mL.
Contraindications
No data supplied by the manufacturer.
Warnings
No data supplied by the manufacturer.
Adverse Effects
While Gaviscon has not been studied for use during pregnancy, ingredients in this product (alginates) have been shown to be safe for use during pregnancy. There have been no reported adverse effects of Gaviscon on fetal development.
Overdose
Should overdosage occur, gastric distention may result and is best treated conservatively.
Dosage
Liquid: Adults: 10 or 20 mL (2 to 4 teaspoons) when symptoms occur. Maximum 80 mL/day (16 teaspoons/day).
Tablets (Aluminum-free): Regular Strength: Adults: 2 to 4 tablets chewed thoroughly, when symptoms occur. Maximum 16 tablets/day.
Extra Strength: Adults: 2 to 4 tablets chewed thoroughly, when symptoms occur. Maximum 12 tablets/day.
MAXRELIEF: Adults: 2 to 4 tablets chewed thoroughly when symptoms occur. Maximum 11 tablets/day.
Administration should be followed by a drink of water or milk if desired. Do not swallow tablets whole.
