Pregnancy is the most critical period. However, during the bearing of a child, women may experience some discomfort, as well as some difficulties.
One of the unpleasant sensations is heartburn and its accompanying manifestations. That is why many are wondering if Gaviscon can be used during pregnancy, since this drug is considered the safest.
Causes of discomfort
Heartburn is an unpleasant sensation or burning sensation that can give off to the neck. It can provoke very strong discomfort and leads to a deterioration in mood, which is extremely undesirable during pregnancy. A similar problem arises due to exposure to hydrochloric acid.
Often, heartburn is observed in pregnant women, regardless of whether they had this problem before or not. Often it appears after overeating.
During pregnancy, heartburn occurs due to relaxation of the muscles of the stomach. This happens due to the influence of hormones, which, when carrying a child, change their level. Another factor is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. This occurs as a result of an increase in the uterus.
Quick fix
Heartburn in pregnant women mainly occurs at the end of the first trimester or at the beginning of the second. It can continue until the very birth, and at the same time the discomfort intensifies all the time. After that, its decrease may be observed, or heartburn passes completely independently.
Many gynecologists recommend that their patients take the Gaviscon drug during pregnancy, as it helps to quickly eliminate the existing discomfort and normalize well-being.
Drug feature
The medicine "Gaviscon" during pregnancy is a real salvation, since many women during this period suffer from heartburn. After administration, the product begins to act immediately. The active components of the drug are literally enveloped with a film of the walls of the stomach, thereby creating a strong barrier. This allows you to protect the mucosa from the aggressive effects of hydrochloric acid contained in the gastric juice.
An important feature of the drug is that it does not affect the acidity of the stomach. This makes it possible to digest the food consumed in the usual way, but without negative manifestations.
Can I take it during pregnancy?
According to the instructions for the drug, "Gaviscon" during pregnancy is not forbidden to take. The composition of the drug is quite simple and does not contain prohibited components. The action of the drug is based on such constituents as sodium, baking soda and potassium. It is soda that helps to neutralize stomach acid, as a result of which after taking the drug literally after 15-20 minutes the heartburn completely disappears.
The medicine belongs to the group of alginates, that is, drugs that, after administration, form a special film on the surface of the esophagus and stomach. It is she who serves as a barrier and does not allow the effects of hydrochloric acid on the mucous membrane of the esophagus.
Tests have shown that the active active substance of the drug does not have a toxic effect on the embryo. In addition, it is not absorbed into the systemic circulation and does not cross the placenta.
It is worth noting that the drug "Gaviscon" from heartburn during pregnancy has a symptomatic effect. The medicine helps to quickly and effectively cope with the unpleasant symptoms of dyspeptic disorders, but does not eliminate the main cause of their occurrence.
Often, heartburn and belching on their own pass immediately after delivery, since they arise as a result of pressure of the uterus increasing in size on the stomach area and with a change in hormonal levels. If unpleasant symptoms persist even after childbirth, then you need to undergo a comprehensive examination, as well as treatment.
Composition and form of release
Depending on the form of release, the instruction of "Gaviscon" during pregnancy recommends taking into account the dosage of the drug. This drug is available in dosage forms such as:
- dosed sachets;
- suspension;
- chewable tablets.
You can buy it without a prescription, however, despite this, it is extremely undesirable to engage in self-medication. The drug "Gaviscon" during pregnancy should be prescribed only by the attending doctor. It consists of:
- baking soda;
- sodium;
- potassium;
- flavoring;
- acesulfame potassium;
- macrogol.
All these components do their job very well and give the drug the required properties.
In addition, the drug has such variations:
- Gaviscon (classic);
- "Gaviscon double action";
- Gaviscon Forte;
- Gaviscon Forte (during pregnancy).
Different variants of the drug differ in the number of active ingredients and their dosage. Many often confuse the Gaviscon prescribed during pregnancy and the Hexicon candles. The latter drug is used to treat sexually transmitted diseases or diseases of the urinary system.
Women during the bearing of a child are allowed to take absolutely any combination of the drug. If circumstances force, then you can drink the drug for a long time. In such cases, doctors recommend exactly Gaviscon Forte (during pregnancy). He has a very convenient form of release, as well as a slightly different composition, which significantly reduces the risk to the health of the unborn child.
When does a doctor prescribe a medicine and for how long?
The drug "Gaviscon" during pregnancy is prescribed exclusively by the attending doctor. Among the indications for taking this remedy, you need to highlight:
- dyspepsia;
- heartburn;
- discomfort and heaviness in the stomach.
Often, heartburn occurs at a later date, and the reason for this is an increase in pressure of the uterus increasing in size. However, it is worth noting that you can take "Gaviscon" during pregnancy and in the early stages, in the first trimester, since this drug has almost no contraindications.
The pharmacological effect of the drug is based on the fact that, when interacting with gastric juice, it creates a kind of barrier that is located on the surface of the stomach and protects its walls from exposure to acid. After administration, the drug is effective for approximately 4 hours.
Application features
Depending on the well-being of the woman and the chosen form of the drug, an individual dosage is prescribed. The most convenient form are tablets, as they are very easy to carry and take with you all the time if necessary. According to the instructions for use, "Gaviscon" during pregnancy is prescribed in a single dosage of 2-4 tablets. Water does not need to be taken, since lozenges have a fairly pleasant aftertaste due to flavorings and are easily chewed. Pregnant women are recommended to start taking with a lower dosage, and with a weak effect it needs to be increased.
Also, the drug is available in the form of dosage packets that are intended for single use. Allowed to use them up to 8 times a day. Before use, the bag needs to be wrinkled a little to ensure better mixing of the components. The drug "Gaviscon Forte" (during pregnancy) is prescribed in a volume of 5-10 ml at a time, but not more than 40 ml per day. This type of tool is characterized by the fact that it is prescribed exclusively to women during the period of bearing a child.
Suspension "Gaviscon" during pregnancy helps to quickly eliminate an attack of heartburn. It is better to take it immediately after eating, as it creates an enveloping protective film. According to the instructions, "Gaviscon" during pregnancy in the form of a suspension should be taken 10-20 ml, but not more than 80 ml per day. You need to take the medicine after each food intake and before bedtime. Such a scheme will not only effectively get rid of heartburn at the moment, but also prevent its re-occurrence. In this case, you must strictly adhere to the dosage and course of treatment prescribed by the doctor.
The course of therapy should be no more than 7 days. Prolonged use of this drug requires monitoring the functioning of the heart and kidneys.
Side effects and contraindications
Despite the proven safety of the drug "Gaviscon", it is not recommended for use with increased sensitivity to the main component. During pregnancy, a woman becomes especially sensitive, which is why treatment with medications can provoke an allergy. If after taking the drug there are rashes, itching, as well as many other signs of an allergic reaction, then you need to cancel it and consult a doctor to prescribe an analog. In addition, among the main contraindications, it is necessary to distinguish such as:
- impaired renal function;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- individual intolerance to the individual components of the drug.
The composition of the drug "Gaviscon" includes calcium, which is why in the presence of stones or sand in the kidneys, the use of this tool can only aggravate the course of urolithiasis. In such cases, doctors recommend selecting analogues with other active ingredients. If a pregnant woman has cardiovascular diseases, the use of Gaviscon can only aggravate their course.
Side effects when taking this drug are not observed, however, periodic occurrence of allergies or skin rashes is possible. If they appear, you must immediately stop taking the drug.
Overdose and interaction with other medicines
According to the instructions for use, with an overdose of the drug "Gaviscon" the patient may experience bloating. The problem can be solved by symptomatic treatment.
This drug is very popular with pregnant and young mothers, as it is completely safe for the fetus and infant. It can be used along with other medicines. However, it is worth noting that at least 2 hours should elapse between taking antacid and another drug. Particular attention should be paid to histamine receptor blockers and antibiotics.
Expert Advice
It is worth noting that the reviews regarding the use of the drug "Gaviscon" do not always coincide with the opinion of experts. Many doctors believe that it is not necessary to use it constantly during pregnancy.
According to a survey among pregnant women, the drug "Gaviscon" acts very quickly, neutralizing heartburn. This happens due to the fact that when the drug enters the stomach, the components contained in it interact almost instantly with gastric juice. Thus, they help to eliminate burning sensation and carefully protect the walls of the esophagus.
In addition, doctors say that if a woman has kidney problems or heart failure, then a special diet must be followed, and the dosage selected by the doctor must be strictly followed. It is also required to control the course of therapy for other diseases that are associated with metabolic disorders.
Analogues of the drug
To date, there is no complete analogue of the drug "Gaviscon", but there is a wide variety of medicines created on the basis of other active components. These drugs can also be used after consultation with a doctor during pregnancy.
Among the analogues, it is necessary to highlight the preparation "Maalox", which is available in the form of chewing lozenges, as well as suspensions. Among the contraindications, hypersensitivity to its constituent components, renal failure can be noted. This medicine is prescribed only if the potential benefit for normalizing the well-being of the mother significantly exceeds the possible risk to the fetus.
In addition, the drug “Rennie”, which is presented in the form of chewable tablets, is considered another good analogue. Among the contraindications of this drug, it is necessary to distinguish severe renal failure, an increased content of calcium and phosphorus in the body. This drug is not dangerous for the fetus, if you strictly follow the dosage and do not exceed it.
Any analogue of the drug should be selected with the attending doctor, and not do it yourself.
Patient Reviews
The drug "Gaviscon" during pregnancy, the reviews are quite good, if you strictly follow the doctor's recommendations. Patients note that this drug acts very quickly and helps to effectively cope with the existing problem.
The drug helps eliminate pain and heartburn almost instantly and for a long time. In addition, many note that the medicine has a very convenient form of release, which is an additional plus. Also, pregnant women really like the pleasant taste of the drug.