Medicine Information

Gaviscon

Name: Gaviscon
Brand: Gaviscon
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Chewable Tablet250 mg (Sodium Alginate)Antacids & Anti-Reflux PreparationsATC: A02BX

Generic Name

Sodium Alginate, Sodium Bicarbonate and Calcium Carbonate

Manufacturer

Reckitt Benckiser

Country

United Kingdom (global presence)

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
gaviscon 250 mg chewable tablet	৳ 43.75	৳ 350.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Gaviscon 250 mg Chewable Tablet is an antacid and anti-reflux medication used to relieve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. It forms a protective layer over the stomach contents to prevent acid reflux.

Uses & Indications

Heartburn

Acid Indigestion

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) symptoms

Burning sensation in the chest and throat

Dosage

Adults

2-4 tablets after meals and at bedtime, up to 4 times a day. Chew thoroughly before swallowing.

Elderly

No special dosage adjustment required for the elderly, use as adult dosage.

Renal_impairment

Use with caution due to sodium content; consult a doctor for advice.

How to Take

For oral use. Chew the tablets thoroughly before swallowing, preferably after meals and at bedtime.

Mechanism of Action

Upon contact with stomach acid, alginates react to form a viscous gel, which floats on top of the stomach contents, forming a physical barrier that prevents reflux. Bicarbonate provides immediate acid neutralization, and calcium carbonate also acts as an antacid.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Rapid, typically within minutes.

Excretion

Unabsorbed alginates are excreted in feces. Absorbed ions are excreted renally.

Half life

Not applicable for alginates as they are not absorbed. Systemically absorbed ions have varying half-lives depending on renal function.

Absorption

Alginates are not absorbed systemically. Sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate may have some systemic absorption after neutralization, releasing sodium and calcium ions.

Metabolism

Not applicable for alginates. Ions are handled physiologically.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients
Patients on a strictly controlled sodium diet (due to sodium content)

Drug Interactions

Digoxin

May reduce absorption of digoxin. Take Gaviscon at least 2 hours apart.

Iron salts

May reduce absorption of iron salts. Take Gaviscon at least 2 hours apart.

Tetracyclines

May reduce absorption of tetracyclines. Take Gaviscon at least 2 hours apart.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Overdose

Overdose is unlikely to cause serious harm. Symptoms may include bloating or abdominal discomfort. Treatment is supportive.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but consult a doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

16 tablets32 tablets48 tablets

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years, check product packaging for exact date.

Availability

Pharmacies, Supermarkets

Approval Status

Approved

Patent Status

Expired

Clinical Trials

Extensively studied and widely used for many decades; numerous clinical trials support its efficacy in GERD and indigestion.

Lab Monitoring

Not routinely required.
Monitor serum sodium and calcium in patients with renal impairment or electrolyte imbalances on prolonged high dose.

Doctor Notes

Advise patients on lifestyle modifications for GERD.
Consider potential drug interactions, especially with drugs requiring acidic environments for absorption.
Monitor patients with renal impairment or on low-sodium diets.