Can Gaviscon Worsen Acid Reflux? Understanding the Risks

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Millions of people worldwide rely on antacids like Gaviscon for heartburn relief, but for some, the medication may inadvertently exacerbate the very symptoms it is meant to treat. In specific circumstances, can Gaviscon worsen acid reflux, leading to confusion and discomfort?

Quick Summary

Several factors can cause Gaviscon to potentially worsen acid reflux, including acid rebound from overuse of antacids, trigger ingredients like peppermint, and side effects such as bloating. It typically remains a safe, effective option for occasional heartburn relief but is not suitable for chronic, long-term use.

Key Points

Peppermint can be a trigger: Peppermint-flavored Gaviscon can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), potentially allowing stomach acid to re-enter the esophagus and worsen reflux.
Antacid overuse can cause acid rebound: Frequent, high-dose use of the antacid ingredients in Gaviscon (like calcium carbonate) can cause the stomach to produce more acid, leading to a rebound effect when the medication wears off.
Bloating and gas can indirectly worsen reflux: The chemical reaction that forms Gaviscon's protective raft can also cause gas and bloating, increasing abdominal pressure and pushing stomach contents up the esophagus.
Long-term use is not recommended: Relying on Gaviscon frequently or for extended periods is not advisable, as it can mask more serious underlying conditions like GERD or ulcers that require different treatments.
Gaviscon is best for occasional heartburn: Gaviscon's dual-action, combining an antacid with an alginate foam barrier, is most effective for providing temporary, rapid relief from occasional, post-meal heartburn.
Consider alternative flavors and timing: For those sensitive to peppermint, alternative flavors are available. Taking Gaviscon after meals and at bedtime is the standard recommendation, and timing can be crucial for effectiveness.

Gaviscon's Mechanism of Action: The Alginate Raft

Gaviscon is a unique reflux suppressant, distinguishing itself from standard antacids with its dual mechanism. Most antacids simply neutralize stomach acid with alkaline compounds like calcium carbonate. Gaviscon, however, also contains sodium alginate, a compound derived from seaweed. When it comes into contact with stomach acid, the alginate forms a thick, viscous foam or "raft" that floats on top of the stomach contents. This protective barrier helps prevent stomach acid from splashing up into the esophagus, which is the primary cause of heartburn. This dual action, combining acid neutralization with a physical barrier, is why Gaviscon is often highly effective for controlling post-meal reflux.

Despite its effectiveness, several factors can cause Gaviscon to be less effective or, in rare cases, to worsen symptoms for certain individuals.

Potential Reasons Gaviscon Can Worsen Reflux

The Peppermint Problem

One of the most surprising reasons for worsened reflux is the flavoring in certain Gaviscon tablets. Some versions are peppermint-flavored, which, while soothing for a general upset stomach, is a known trigger for acid reflux in many people. The menthol in peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle that acts as a gate between the esophagus and the stomach. When the LES relaxes, it can allow stomach acid to leak back into the esophagus, causing or intensifying heartburn. If you notice your symptoms flare up after taking a peppermint-flavored antacid, switching to a fruit-flavored or unflavored variety may be beneficial.

The Acid Rebound Effect

Overuse of any antacid, including the antacid component of Gaviscon (such as calcium carbonate), can lead to a phenomenon known as "acid rebound".

Here’s how it works:

Your stomach produces hydrochloric acid to aid digestion. It has built-in feedback mechanisms to regulate acid levels.
When you take an antacid frequently, your stomach acid is neutralized, and the pH rises.
The stomach, sensing the higher pH, signals for more acid production to compensate. This is known as a compensatory increase in acid.
After the short-term neutralizing effect of the antacid wears off, the stomach continues to produce this elevated level of acid, which can cause symptoms to return with a vengeance.
This creates a cycle where you feel a need to take more antacids, perpetuating the problem. This is why antacids are best for occasional, not chronic, heartburn.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Gaviscon's ingredients, particularly at high doses, can cause gastrointestinal side effects that may be mistaken for worsening reflux.

Bloating and Gas: The reaction of the antacid and alginate with stomach acid can sometimes produce gas, leading to bloating and discomfort. Increased pressure in the stomach from bloating can push stomach contents against the LES, potentially triggering reflux.
Constipation or Diarrhea: Depending on the specific antacid ingredients, Gaviscon can cause constipation (from aluminum hydroxide) or diarrhea (from magnesium salts). While not directly worsening reflux, these digestive disruptions can alter abdominal pressure and exacerbate reflux symptoms.

When to Reconsider Gaviscon and Consult a Professional

Gaviscon is intended for temporary, occasional relief. If your symptoms are frequent or persistent, it may not be the right solution for you. Here are key indicators that Gaviscon may not be enough and could be masking a more serious issue:

Symptoms Persist or Worsen: If your heartburn continues or intensifies after taking Gaviscon for more than seven days, it’s a sign that an underlying condition may be at play.
Frequent Use: Needing Gaviscon daily or multiple times a week suggests a more significant problem like GERD, which requires a different treatment approach.
Trouble Swallowing or Pain: The presence of alarming symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or persistent chest pain, necessitates immediate medical attention.

Gaviscon vs. Other Reflux Medications: A Comparison

To understand where Gaviscon fits in, it's helpful to compare it with other common classes of reflux medications.


Feature	Gaviscon	H2 Blockers (e.g., Famotidine)	Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., Omeprazole)
Mechanism	Alginate raft for barrier, plus antacids for neutralization.	Blocks histamine receptors to reduce acid production.	Blocks enzyme responsible for acid production.
Speed of Action	Fast-acting (within minutes).	Fast-acting (within 30-60 minutes).	Slow-acting (takes hours/days).
Duration of Effect	Up to 4 hours.	Up to 12 hours.	Up to 24 hours.
Best For	Occasional, post-meal heartburn.	Moderate, infrequent symptoms.	Severe, frequent GERD symptoms.
Risk of Rebound	Yes, with calcium-based versions and frequent use.	Low risk.	Yes, significant rebound upon discontinuation.

Conclusion: When and How to Use Gaviscon Safely

While Gaviscon is a highly effective, fast-acting treatment for occasional heartburn, it is not without potential drawbacks. Can Gaviscon worsen acid reflux? The answer is yes, under specific conditions. Overusing calcium-based Gaviscon can cause acid rebound, certain flavors containing peppermint can relax the LES, and side effects like bloating can indirectly aggravate symptoms. For short-term, infrequent use, Gaviscon is generally a safe and superior choice to simple antacids due to its alginate barrier. However, if your heartburn is chronic, worsens with use, or is accompanied by other serious symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. A proper diagnosis and long-term management strategy may involve stronger medications like H2 blockers or PPIs, or lifestyle adjustments, rather than relying on quick-fix antacids. A healthcare professional can help you navigate the best course of treatment for your specific needs.

Authoritative outbound link: For a detailed comparison of different GERD treatments, including how antacids and reflux suppressants work, see the NIH's resource on managing acid reflux.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, taking Gaviscon too often, especially versions containing calcium carbonate, can lead to a phenomenon known as acid rebound. When you frequently neutralize stomach acid, your stomach may compensate by producing even more acid, causing symptoms to return or worsen after the medication wears off.

The menthol in peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. When this muscle relaxes, it can allow stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, triggering or worsening acid reflux symptoms.

Gaviscon is a reflux suppressant that contains both antacids and an alginate. The alginate creates a protective foam barrier that floats on top of stomach contents, physically blocking acid from entering the esophagus. Regular antacids, like Tums, only neutralize stomach acid.

Yes, it is possible. The chemical reaction that creates the protective alginate raft can sometimes release gas. Taking more than the recommended dose can also cause side effects like wind and bloating.

If you are purchasing Gaviscon over-the-counter, you should consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve after seven days. If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, this also warrants a conversation with a healthcare provider to explore potential long-term solutions.

Yes, if used frequently, Gaviscon can temporarily relieve symptoms while a more serious underlying issue, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a peptic ulcer, goes untreated. It is important not to ignore persistent or worsening symptoms.

First, consider if you are using a peppermint-flavored version and switch to an alternative. If overuse is a concern, limit how often you take it. If the problem persists, stop taking Gaviscon and consult a healthcare professional, as a different treatment approach may be necessary.