Overview & Mechanism of Action
- Gaviscon Liquid Double Action (150ml bottle) combines an alginate raft-forming agent with dual-acting antacids to manage both the physical movement and chemical acidity of stomach acid:
- Physical Alginate Raft Formation (Sodium Alginate): Reacts rapidly with gastric acid to form a viscous, lightweight gel (raft) that floats on top of the stomach contents. This raft acts as a physical barrier at the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing acid and pepsin from refluxing back up into the esophagus.
- Rapid Acid Neutralization (Sodium Bicarbonate & Calcium Carbonate): Soluble and insoluble antacids rapidly react with excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach lumen to raise gastric pH, neutralizing acid indigestion and reducing esophageal mucosal burning upon contact.
- Long-Lasting Protection: The alginate raft remains intact over the stomach contents for up to 4 hours, ensuring extended protection against night-time or post-meal reflux without affecting normal gastric digestion.
Clinical Indications
- Gaviscon Liquid Double Action 150ml is indicated for:
- Rapid treatment of heartburn, acid regurgitation, and indigestion associated with GERD
- Relief of gastric hyperacidity and acid indigestion following meals or during pregnancy
- Management of symptoms of reflux esophagitis, hiatus hernia, and epigastric discomfort
- Prevention of night-time reflux and regurgitation
Usage Guidance & Safety Precautions
Administration:
- Shake the bottle well before use. Take orally after meals and at bedtime.
Recommended Dosage:
- Adults & Children 12 years and older: 10ml to 20ml (2 to 4 5ml spoonfuls) after meals and at bedtime, up to 4 times daily.
- Children 6 to 12 years: 5ml to 10ml after meals and at bedtime under medical advice.
- Children under 6 years: Not recommended.
Precautions & Warnings:
- High sodium content; patients on strict salt-restricted diets (e.g., severe heart failure or renal impairment) should exercise caution. Contains calcium carbonate; allow an interval of 2 hours between taking Gaviscon and other oral medications (such as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, or iron supplements) to prevent reduced absorption. Store below 30°C; do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep out of reach of children.