In the article, we consider the instructions and reviews for the Gaviscon drug.
He is one of the strongest drugs in the alginate group. Its main difference is the ability to not be absorbed. Used for the treatment of a wide range of diseases that are accompanied by an increase in acidity. Most often, "Gaviscon" is prescribed to patients if sour belching is noted and severe heartburn is disturbing. After oral administration of the drug, the therapeutic effect occurs within half an hour.
As the instruction indicates, Gaviscon has a unique formula that allows the medication to envelop the gastric mucous membranes and create a protective film on them. As a result, the aggressive environment formed by the gastric juice ceases to adversely affect the cells forming the mucous membrane.
At its core, Gaviscon is an antacid, but it is able to slightly affect the level of acidity in the stomach cavity, gradually and gently reducing it. At the same time, under its influence, the digestion process is not disturbed, which is characteristic of many other antacids.
The greatest effectiveness of "Gaviscon" is manifested in the treatment of gastritis, heartburn, gastrointestinal disorders.
Pharmacological forms, composition
Currently, manufacturers offer Gaviscon in several pharmacological forms. The drug may be in the form of a suspension, as well as intended for chewing tablets. In addition, there are such varieties of medication as Gaviscon Double Action and Gaviscon Forte. Let's consider them in more detail:
- In accordance with the instructions, Gaviscon tablets are intended to be chewed and may have a mint or lemon flavor. Each pack contains 16 or 32 chewable tablets. Inside the tablet contains calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, alginate and a number of auxiliary components, such as a flavor enhancer, potassium acesulfame, flavor, mannitol, macrogol, aspartame.
- Gaviscon in the form of a suspension. The suspension has a mint flavor. Available in bottles, each of which can contain 150 and 300 ml of the substance. The main and auxiliary components in its composition are similar to those in the tablet medicine. Instructions for the suspension "Gaviscon" is in every pack.
- "Gaviscon Double Action." It is also produced in the form of a suspension. Each package contains 12 oblong sachets. The active components of the suspension are the same substances, but the content of calcium carbonate in this form of release is twice as high. The instruction to "Gaviscon Double Action" confirms this.
- Gaviscon Forte. It is a suspension, packaged in small bags, each of which holds 10 ml of the drug. Each box of medicine contains 20 such bags. There is also a 150 ml bottle of Gaviscon Forte on sale. The instruction indicates that in this form of the medication calcium carbonate is completely absent, that is, the active components are sodium bicarbonate and alginate, and the content of the latter is twice as high as in other forms.
Thanks to the active components, Gaviscon acts on the acidity of the medium, reducing its performance, making the contents of the stomach more viscous, thereby preventing its release into the esophagus.
Pharmacological effects
According to the instructions, Gaviscon is an alginate, and these substances contain mannuric and hyaluronic acids. As a result of the interaction of these acids with hydrochloric acid, a reaction occurs in which alginic acid is formed as the main product , which can protect the mucous membranes of the stomach.
With regular use of Gaviscon, the following therapeutic effects occur:
- The state of immunity is improving.
- The risk of constipation is reduced.
- The activity of potentially pathogenic microorganisms is suppressed.
- Adsorption of harmful acids and substances occurs.
- The inflammatory process that occurs against the background of gastritis is inhibited.
- Healing of areas of the mucosa that have been damaged occurs.
- Reliable protection of the walls of the esophagus and mucous membranes of the stomach is formed. The activity of the large intestine is normalized.
Thus, Gaviscon creates protective layers on the mucous membranes of the stomach, without disturbing the balance of acids and alkalis. As a result, digestive activity is not exposed and, accordingly, is not disturbed. If there is an increase in peristalsis, the active components included in the medication normalize the activity of the intestine.
The medication is absolutely safe to use, its use does not provoke addiction.
Indications for use
Gaviscon has a fairly wide range of applications. However, it is important to consider that it is a drug intended for symptomatic therapy and alleviation of the condition. That is, for some diseases, recovery against the background of taking Gaviscon should not be expected. This necessitates additional consultation with a specialist before using the medication.
According to the instructions to "Gaviscon", most often a remedy is prescribed if the patient has the following diseases:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Ulcerative lesions.
- Gastritis with an acute form of the course.
- Gastritis with a chronic form of the course, characterized by increased acidity.
Almost every of these diseases is accompanied by symptoms of heartburn, pain in the epigastrium, dyspeptic disorders. It is such symptoms that Gaviscon can eliminate.
Contraindications
Despite the almost complete safety of the medicine, Gaviscon nevertheless has a number of some contraindications, the presence of which prevents its use. Among them:
- Childhood. Do not use Gaviscon in the treatment of children under 6 years of age.
- The presence of individual hypersensitivity to any of the components that make up the medication.
- Renal failure. Under the influence of sodium, fluid retention occurs in the body, which imposes an additional burden on the kidneys.
- CCC diseases. The sodium contained in the medication can cause complications in patients suffering from abnormalities in the activity of the heart. One of the likely complications is an increased risk of an attack of acute heart failure.
Particular caution should be exercised when prescribing medication to patients who have an elevated calcium content in the blood, as well as urolithiasis. Due to the fact that Gaviscon contains a lot of calcium, it is able to provoke seizures and complications.
The use of the drug is not recommended for patients with reduced secretion of gastric juice. Antacid can lead to increased digestive disorders. As a result, undigested food debris can begin to rot, causing poisoning of the body.
Children "Gaviscon" can be appointed from 12 years. However, if the doctor considers the use of the drug appropriate, then it is allowed to take it from 6 years old. Treatment in this case should be carried out using a carefully selected dosage and under the supervision of a specialist.
It is important to note that pregnancy is not a contraindication to Gaviscon therapy.
Usage, dosage
In accordance with the instructions, "Gaviscon" is a drug intended for oral use. It is recommended to take it immediately after eating, as well as before bedtime. If severe heartburn is observed, the suspension should be taken undiluted, should not be drunk with water. The tablet medication must be chewed with special care, if necessary, you can drink it with a small amount of water.
The dosage is determined by a specialist based on the severity of the disease, the age of the patient:
- Children from 12 years of age are prescribed 5-10 ml of the drug in suspension in one dose, in tablet form - up to two pieces. The maximum total dosage per day should not exceed 40 ml or 8 tablets.
- Adult patients at a time are recommended to use up to 20 ml of suspension or up to 4 tablets. The maximum daily amount is 14 tablets, or 80 ml.
- Elderly patients after 60 years of age, the dosage should be selected by the doctor after consultation. This is due to a decrease in the secretion of gastric juice due to age.
- When treating children from 6 years, a dosage reduction of half is recommended.
Negative impact
Side effects while taking Gaviscon practically do not develop. Nevertheless, they do occur - the development of allergic reactions, such as skin rash and itching, is not ruled out. With such negative manifestations, the patient should refrain from using the medication, and also report the allergy to the attending physician.
Interaction with other medicines, with alcohol
Clinical studies show that Gaviscon can be combined with alcohol. When taking derivatives of ethyl alcohol, the effect of the drug does not decrease, a chemical reaction does not occur. In addition, the medicine can be used to eliminate the symptoms of heartburn, which appeared on the background of drinking alcohol.
Interaction with other drugs was also not observed.
However, it is important to remember that the active components contained in the preparation form a protective film on the gastric mucosa, which prevents the normal absorption of drugs. In this regard, experts do not recommend using other drugs at the same time. The optimal time for their intake is a couple of hours before or after antacid. This is confirmed by the instructions for use with Gaviscon tablets.
Cost
The drug is dispensed freely in pharmacies; a prescription from a doctor is not required. Its average cost is 150 rubles per pack of chewable tablets, 250 rubles per bottle of suspension. Price may vary by manufacturer and region.
Analogs
Gaviscon has many analogues with a similar composition and therapeutic effect. The most famous drugs are: “Almagel”, “Phosphalugel”, “Maalox”, “Gastal”, “Rennie”.
Despite the similarity of these drugs, Gaviscon has several advantages over them.
Reviews about "Gaviscon"
Many patients who have used Gaviscon report its high efficacy. Such a merit of the drug as a variety of forms of release and packaging, for example, Gaviscon in a sachet, is very convenient to take with you in case of an emergency occurrence of heartburn. In addition, the drug has a fairly affordable cost, although some consumers believe that in comparison with analogues it is unreasonably overpriced. Many positive reviews come from pregnant women.
Negative reviews concern mainly the tabletted Gaviscon. Patients report that their effect is short-term, when chewing a viscous mass forms, which is very sticky to the teeth, the taste is unpleasant.
Despite the fact that positive reviews prevail, the patient should not rely on them - it is important to consult a doctor and determine the feasibility of using this particular component.
We reviewed the preparation "Gaviscon" instructions, analogues and reviews.