Information specific to: Gaviscon Advance.
About Gaviscon Advance and how it works
This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of reflux oesophagitis and gastro-oesophageal reflux such as acid regurgitation, heartburn and indigestion.
This medicine has two main ingredients: sodium alginate and potassium bicarbonate which work together to form a raft when they come into contact with stomach acid. The raft floats on stomach contents and prevents reflux of stomach contents up the food gullet and relieves symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion. However, if reflux occurs, the raft rises up the food gullet and forms a protective barrier against acid attack. It also has a soothing effect and allows healing to occur in reflux oesophagitis.
This medicine is available in the form of two preparations that are taken by mouth: chewable tablets or liquid.
Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after seven days, or if they get worse during treatment with this medicine.
Before using Gaviscon Advance
This medicine may not be suitable for everyone and some people must never take it. Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to make sure that the medicine is suitable before taking it.
Always get advice from a healthcare professional before taking this medicine if:
- you are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
- this medicine is for a child under 12 years of age
- you are on a restricted salt diet
- you have kidney problems
- you have high levels of calcium in your blood or kidneys
- you are prone to kidney stones
- you have very low levels of stomach acid
- you have phenylketonuria
Medicines interactions
If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. Before taking this medicine consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines including vitamins, mineral supplements and herbal or complementary preparations.
The following medicines may interact with this medicine:
- medicines that increase potassium levels in your blood
Possible side effects of Gaviscon Advance
Most medicines can cause some side-effects but not everyone taking the same medicine will get the same side-effects.
The following side-effects have been associated with people taking this medicine:
- allergic reactions such as urticaria or bronchospasm
- anaphylactic reactions
- central nervous system problems - these may happen in people with kidney problems
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
This medicine is not known to cause any problems during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. However, as with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Other important information
Make sure that you read the leaflet that comes with your medicine to check what dose you should take and if there is anything that you need to do if you take more than the recommended dose. If you are in any doubt about whether this medicine is suitable for you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
The liquid form of this medicine is available in two flavours: aniseed and peppermint.
You must dispose of the bottle and any remaining contents of the liquid form of this medicine six months after opening it. It is a good idea to make a note of the date when you first opened the bottle.
Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
