Gaviscon dilemma

[hjskev]

Earlier this week I had a call from the pharmacist at my GP practice. He was calling to review my meds which seems to be the latest practise at my docs.

I told him I had stopped Omeprazole and was just using Gaviscon at night to control acid reflux as it wasn't too bad at the moment and that I thought things had improved since I changed my diet. .He said I was doing it the wrong way. I should take the Omeprazole and stop the Gaviscon because Gaviscon is very high sodium and too much sodium is dangerous.

The doctor has never mentioned this and has in fact just prescribed me extra Gaviscon. So I'm confused. I've checked the ingredients of Gaviscon and it is VERY high sodium. I've always prided myself on a low salt diet and all the time I've been taking this stuff for years. In fact it's almost a comfort blanket for me as I daren't go to bed without taking it. Not sure what to think now. Is anyone else aware of this?

[special26]

Hi...I also take gaviscon xtra for my acid reflux... And yes has sodium in it.. But all you need to do to control that is drink plenty of warm water that gets rid of the sodium and eat bananas which has pottisium and eradicates the sodium and keeps your body safe..

I can't take the usual PPI as I have side effects but find that through a low fod map diet and being careful what I eat I don't have too much acid reflux but if i do i rather take the Gaviscon than other side effects with the PPI..

Hope that helps.. 😊

[meadfoot]

Personally I am with Special26 response on this one. I hasten to add that I have no medical training just a sufferer of acid reflux for many years. I stopped PPIs several years ago but stuck with gaviscon advance prescribed by my consultant gastroenterologist. I have Famotidine for flare ups. Follow your medics instructions I would suggest. Should a pharmacist suggest meds changes rather than it being your GP or consultant, personally I dont think so. Check with your medic if unsure.

[FarflameX]

I was told by a doctor that the important ingredient in Gaviscon is the Sodium Alganate and that you can buy that on it's own. I bought some, it's just a powder and it's very hard to get it to dissolve properly in water, but apparently it does the same job. Having said that, it obviously also has the Sodium in it, though I don't know if Gaviscon has other sodium. It might be something to try. I personally find that Gaviscon Advance is quite effective but have to agree that the sodium is a worry. Then again, the prozoles are a worry too. I recently got a letter from my doctor saying 'Glad to see you have no problems from your endoscopy, glad to see the prozole is controlling your SYMPTOMS..... case closed'.......

[ParkSchool5]

Hi, if you only take 10ml of Gaviscon Advance at night, you are still way under the recommended daily salt intake.

[wacapella1958]

Hi, I take Omeprazole once a day in the morning. I am currently being referred by doctor for non-cardiac pain and she has recommended taking Gaviscon after meals as she thinks it might help prevent chest pain.

[hjskev]

Thanks for all the responses. I've continued taking Gaviscon for the time being while I work out the way forward. I still haven't re started the Omeprazole. I'll make an appointment to speak to my doctor. Its interesting that several of you think the same as me that Gaviscon if it works for you is the best option. There again I do believe that pharmesists are knowledgeable about meds.

[hjskev]

Hi just an update. I spoke to my doctor today and he confirmed that the Gaviscon route is the least harmful providing I don't take too much. So I will only take Omeprazole when absolutely necessary. So I'm happy with that.