Gaviscon Suspension: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Gaviscon Suspension contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate, combination antacid ingredients that lower the acidity of stomach acid. It is used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, or upset stomach, and to provide temporary relief from symptoms caused by acid reflux. It works directly in the stomach rather than being absorbed into the body.

What is Gaviscon Suspension

Gaviscon is a combination medicine that lowers the acidity of stomach acid. It is used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, or upset stomach.

Gaviscon Suspension uses

• Treat heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, or upset stomach
• Provide temporary relief from heartburn and acid indigestion caused by acid reflux

Benefits of Gaviscon Suspension

• Provides relief from heartburn and burning in the chest
• Helps control acid reflux by forming a protective barrier over stomach contents
• Relieves acid indigestion and related discomfort
• Helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the food pipe (esophagus)
• Its antacid ingredients help neutralize excess stomach acid
• Usually begins working soon after taking a dose

How Gaviscon Suspension works

Gaviscon works in the stomach itself rather than being absorbed into the body. A form containing alginate can form a layer that settles near where stomach acid pools after eating, helping to displace or neutralize that acid so less of it reaches the esophagus.

Gaviscon Suspension dosage

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. If using a chewable tablet form, chew it before swallowing, then drink water or other liquid afterward. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have acid indigestion more than 2 times per week. Do not take this medicine for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to.

Since Gaviscon is used when needed, you may not be on a regular dosing schedule. Skip a missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose, and do not take two doses at once.

Available forms and strengths

• Chewable tablet
• Oral liquid suspension

Side effects of Gaviscon Suspension

Common

• Diarrhea

Serious

• Allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Warnings and precautions

• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to use this medicine if you have kidney disease.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Gaviscon is safe to use if you have a peptic ulcer, trouble swallowing, kidney disease, or are on a low-salt diet.
• Do not take more than the maximum number of tablets allowed in a 24-hour period.
• Gaviscon can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth, so ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you take other medicines regularly.

Storage

• Store below 30°C (86°F).
• Keep in a cool, dry place.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed.
• Keep out of reach of children.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center if you think you have taken too much of this medicine.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have acid indigestion more than twice a week.

Alternatives

• Pantoprazole
• Omeprazole
• Famotidine
• Calcium Carbonate
• Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Antacid