Gaviscon also contains an antacid that neutralises excess stomach acid and reduces pain and discomfort. Gaviscon comes as chewable tablets, or a liquid that you drink (in bottles or in sachets). It also comes as a powder for babies and children under 2 years old. You can buy Gaviscon from pharmacies and supermarkets.
The major findings of the study were that Gaviscon was associated with significantly less distal esophageal acid exposure than antacid and that this was related to a greater pH of the refluxate rather than to a decrease in the number of reflux events recorded in each study condition.
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.
Nexium, Prilosec,Pepcid and Tums are all considered well tolerated medications. Most people do not experience side effects from taking them, but it is possible to experience constipation or diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, rash or dizziness in some cases.
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural antacid. Dissolving a teaspoon of baking soda into 8 ounces of water and drinking it may help neutralize stomach acid and temporarily ease heartburn.
Calcium Carbonate [CaCO3] – Calcium Carbonate (chalk) is the most potent usable antacid. It can completely neutralize stomach acid.
You should avoid any antacid that contains calcium carbonate or aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate unless your doctor recommends it. Talk to your doctor before taking a proton pump inhibitor if: You are elderly or have immune system problems. PPIs can increase your risk for pneumonia.
Gaviscon Regular Strength Tablets has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 5 ratings on Drugs.com. 50% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 50% reported a negative effect. Mylanta has an average rating of 10.0 out of 10 from a total of 2 ratings on Drugs.com.
Taking too much Gaviscon may cause side effects such as wind and bloating (when your stomach feels tight and full of gas). This is unlikely to cause you any harm. If you are worried, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. The magnesium in this product can cause diarrhea. Using an antacid that contains only aluminum along with this product can help control 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.
The FDA said the medicines may contain "unacceptable" amounts of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a substance the World Health Organization has classified as a "probable human carcinogen."
According to Dr. Ghouri, Prilosec OTC “is usually sufficient in controlling symptoms in a majority of [heartburn] cases” and has been the #1 Doctor Recommended frequent heartburn relief medicine for 14 years.
Magnesium is an element your body needs to function normally. Magnesium oxide may be used for different reasons. Some people use it as an antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion.
Although antacids can bring temporarily relief, they may worsen your acid reflux problem in the long run because they lower stomach acid, contributing to a vicious cycle of symptoms and compromised digestion.
Common side effects of antacids may include gas (flatulence), constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and stomach cramps or pain in the abdomen.
"But long-term use of antacids can lead to effects on the digestive system, along with other organs as well." Of course, taking antacids when you currently have heartburn and need them isn't bad, but they should only be a temporary fix. "They are not intended for daily and ongoing use,” says Glatter.
"Milk is often thought to relieve heartburn," says Gupta. "But you have to keep in mind that milk comes in different varieties — whole milk with the full amount of fat, 2% fat, and skim or nonfat milk.
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.
If your symptoms strike less often, use a fast-acting over-the-counter antacid such as Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, or Tums. Or try an over-the-counter H2 blocker, such as famotidine (Pepcid AC) or ranitidine (Zantac 75). They tend to cause fewer side effects and are typically cheaper than PPIs.