Having endured angina type symptoms for more than a year, yesterday I tried Gaviscon for the first time at the suggestion of my GP. I immediately feel a lot better.
So now I want to ask everybody about taking Gaviscon.
Is it OK to continue taking it indefinitely every day ?
The instructions say 10 ml after every meal and at bedtime. Considering the sodium content, is that OK?
As long as your bp is controlled, I see no reason not to continue to take it. Barrier treatments, such as the alginate Gaviscon can arguably be a much safer treatment alternative than medications like PPI's. Especially since some of the formulations may contain antacids, make sure you time your other medications so there will be no absorption issues with Gaviscon.
Jim
I have been prescribed gaviscon advance liquid by my gastroenterologist. I have it on prescription. It is the only med that works for me. I cant take PPIs as they trigger my cardiac arrhythmias or H2 receptors as they cause me gastric pain.
Its Gaviscon every time for me. I am prescribed to take it up to four times a day. I always take a dose at night before sleep and sleep propped up to ease gastric kickback.
My pharmacist told me I should cut back on the Gaviscon because of the high sodium content and take PPIs instead. The exact opposite of what my doc says. So I'm confused too. I don't like the PPIs though and they don't always work for me. So I'm going with my doctors advice. My advice wold be to continue with the Gaviscon until you feel ok and then try to cut back a bit. I only take 10ml at night now but would take it after meals when I have a bad patch. Try to cut back on salt elsewhere in your diet.
Glad you've found something that makes you feel better.
A Gastroenterologist said Gaviscon Advance was safe to take as often as you like-like Smarties-her words.
I get it on prescription, but the NHS version I was prescribed is Peptac, and is about half the strength of Gaviscon. It works for me. The full Gaviscon tends to make me constipated, if I take it after every meal as first recommended. I am now ok taking it in the evening before bed
I've had acid reflux for 20 years now. I take Nexium (one a day 20mg). I also take gaviscon before bed every night. I understand it's completely harmless as it's only a tablet that neutralises the acid. If you're worried go to your local pharmacy/Chemist and ask to speak with the pharmacist. Ask his advice, but I think he'll say it's fine.
I have silent reflux which caused me to lose my voice completely recently. I was seen at the hospital under the two week rule and was prescribed Gaviscon Advance to take after meals and before bed. I checked it out as best as I could regarding side effects of ongoing use and it doesn't sound as though it will be a problem.
However, taking other meds, as I do - lots of them - is an absolute pain in the bum as some cannot be taken with food, others MUST be taken with food and others categorically state they must not be taken 2hrs before or after indigestion meds (incl. Gaviscon).
I phoned my GP and said I was having great trouble fitting my meds in. I was taking something every two hours, as well as fitting in the Gaviscon. He advised me to take most of my meds before meals so that the food following would push the meds through into my stomach and then take the Gaviscon after eating. He said it would be fine to do that and my meds would not be affected. Other meds need to be taken mid morning and I do need to be careful to leave the 2hr gap either side of them, so, if breakfast is a bit late or I forget to take them, lunch can be a very late affair!
I think the Gaviscon helps, so will keep going with it, although I hate it!
Also, I was advised to raise the head of the bed. We had trouble doing this with our old bed so changed it for one we can put bed raisers under. The recommended height is 8" or more, but this makes the bed too high so we have put a 5" raiser underneath. We've been using them for about 10 days but I can't honestly say if I feel any benefit yet. The thing is with silent reflux, you don't know it's happening yet it's causing damage, so it's going to take some time before I can say if the bed raisers are worth the effort.
I'm glad the Gaviscon is working for you. As someone else said, as long as your BP is ok, the sodium level should not be an issue, but, personally, I stay away from added salt and processed foods as much as possible.
xx Moy
Thanks Moy. Tablet regimes can be so complicated. I hope that you heal soon.
HelloSorry for the delay in replying. To be honest I think keeping an eye on your blood pressure is very wise. I recently saw a specialist for something else and his advice was, keep an eye on your blood pressure, try to eat a Mediterranean diet, don't smoke, don't drink too much alcohol and get exercise . I know we've heard it all before, but there's a reason this is repeatedly advised.
Lansoprazole ? 
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